Amtrak Guide

By train travelers for train travelers, 8 best amtrak cross-country trips to travel coast to coast.

Empire Builder at Marias Pass in Montana

Ready to travel across the United States by train? To travel coast to coast, you’ll need to ride more than one train, plan for a multi-day trip and choose from a variety of departure and arrival cities.

Keeping in mind the best travel direction and time of year to ride different Amtrak routes, we have put together a list of the best cross-country Amtrak trips — including the shortest, most scenic and an option for visiting the top music cities in America.

Trips are listed in order of Amtrak travel time from shortest to longest (times listed do not include layovers). For current schedules and ticket prices, visit Amtrak.com.

This website is reader supported and not affiliated with Amtrak. We may earn a small commission from links on this page.

Washington D.C. to Los Angeles

Southwest Chief train in the Mojave Desert

When to Ride : Summer to see the most scenery (late spring or early fall next best options)

The shortest cross-country Amtrak trip is on the Capitol Limited and Southwest Chief routes for travel between Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. It is over 60 hours of train travel, three nights on a train and a layover in Chicago with time to sightsee. Scenery highlights include the Appalachian Mountains, Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Colorado and the New Mexico desert.

We recommend starting the trip in Washington D.C. and traveling west, which means getting to the best scenery on the East Coast faster, more mountain views and travel into the desert sunset on the Southwest Chief.

New York City to Los Angeles

The Hudson River in Poughkeepsie,_NY

When to Ride : Fall (great foliage on East Coast), summer or spring

The Lake Shore Limited and Southwest Chief routes provide a cross-country option between New York City and Los Angeles. Enjoy views of Hudson River Valley, Sangre de Cristo Mountains and New Mexico desert on this 63-hour trip, plus you’ll have time to eat a meal or sightsee in Chicago if no major delays.

Westbound travel is recommended, although you can also start the trip in Los Angeles. October is a great time to book a trip to see the fall colors in the Hudson River Valley or to visit some of the destinations along the route, including Albuquerque , Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon . Avoid winter travel as you will have limited views of the Hudson River.

Pacific Northwest to New York City

Empire Builder in the Rocky Mountains

When to Ride : Summer for most scenery, fall for foliage

The Empire Builder is a scenic Amtrak route with trains that travel through the Pacific Northwest, Montana Rocky Mountains near Glacier National Park and the Upper Midwest. Start the trip in Portland to travel through the Columbia River Gorge or in Seattle to see Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. The next morning you’ll have many hours of beautiful scenery in the Rockies (when traveling in the opposite direction, there is risk of nightfall before or when entering the mountains).

This trip includes a layover in Chicago and then the Lake Shore Limited will take you to New York City via the beautiful Hudson River Valley. Train travel time is about 66 hours.

Pacific Northwest to East Coast (multiple city options)

New River Gorge with railroad tracks next to river

When to Ride : Summer for most scenery, late spring and early fall also good times

One of our favorite cross-country Amtrak trips, the journey from the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast on the Empire Builder and Cardinal has stunning scenery and is at least 70 hours of train travel. Start in Portland to travel through the Columbia River Gorge or in Seattle for views of Puget Sound and the Cascades before reaching the Montana Rocky Mountains.

After travel through the Upper Midwest and along the Mississippi River, you’ll have a layover in Chicago before boarding the Cardinal for a trip through the Appalachian Mountains and the New River Gorge. You can end the trip in charming Alexandria, Virginia (near Washington Reagan Airport and the shortest trip option) or in nearby cities including Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City.

Note that the Cardinal only operates three days each week, so plan your trip around the Cardinal schedule (Empire Builder runs daily). We also recommend staying one night in Chicago as the layover time is short when traveling eastbound (which is the best direction for both trains).

New York City to the Bay Area

California Zephyr in the Rocky Mountains in fall

When to Ride : Fall for foliage, summer also great for daylight

Ride one of Amtrak’s most scenic routes on a train trip between New York City and the Bay Area. Travel time is 71.5 hours on the Lake Shore Limited and the California Zephyr with a layover in Chicago. You’ll see the Hudson River Valley and travel through the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Ruby Canyon and Sierra Nevada. We recommend traveling west to have guaranteed daylight in the mountains.

Emeryville is the end-of-the-line station in California, which is near San Francisco. If you book your ticket with San Francisco as your start or end destination, Amtrak will provide bus service. Oakland and the Oakland International Airport are also a short drive away from Emeryville (reachable via rideshare or taxi) or start or end this trip in Sacramento .

East Coast to Northern California

California Zephyr in Glenwood Canyon

When to Ride : Summer (westbound), April-September (eastbound)

Our vote for most scenic and flexible cross-country trip is on the Cardinal and California Zephyr . We recommend a summer trip if starting on the East Coast — choose from cities including New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington, Baltimore, Washington D.C. or Alexandria. You’ll travel through the New River Gorge in West Virginia and arrive in Chicago the next morning.

The western half of trip will take you through the Great Plains, Colorado Rockies along the Colorado River, Ruby Canyon and the Sierra Nevada. You can end the trip in Sacramento (home of the California State Railroad Museum ) or in Emeryville near San Francisco and the Oakland International Airport. At both stations you can transfer to the Coast Starlight train for more beautiful scenery on the West Coast.

Los Angeles to East Coast (via New Orleans)

Amtrak's Crescent train the South

When to Ride : Winter, spring, fall (avoid July, August and September due to hurricane season and hot weather)

If you prefer to travel across the country through the Southern United States, book tickets on the Sunset Limited and Crescent . You’ll travel through deserts and Louisiana wetlands before arriving in New Orleans . There is a unique opportunity to spend some time in the city as you won’t be able to transfer to the Crescent until the following day. You’ll need to book accommodations for at least one night — two or more if you want to sightsee.

Eastbound travel from Los Angeles is recommended so you can see Lake Pontchartrain in the daylight once you transfer to the Crescent. You can also choose where to end the trip on the East Coast, including Alexandria or Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City. Although not technically on the coast, you can also start or end the trip in Atlanta for many flight options and shorter travel time.

America’s Music Cities

Beale Street in Memphis

For an epic cross-country Amtrak trip, visit America’s top music cities by train: New York City , New Orleans , Memphis , Chicago , Austin and Los Angeles . It’s a long adventure (minimum six nights), but you can stay in all or some of these cities to break up the travel and enjoy the live music scenes.

If starting in New York, ride the Crescent to New Orleans. You’ll arrive in the evening and need to stay in the city at least one night. From New Orleans, ride the City of New Orleans train to Chicago with the option to stop for a night or longer in Memphis along the way. In Chicago you’ll board the Texas Eagle for travel to Austin. Spend a night in Austin or stay on board to reach Los Angeles.

All trains operate daily except for the Texas Eagle between Austin and Los Angeles. We recommend planning your trip around that segment, including staying for a night or more in Chicago or Austin if needed.

More Information

  • 5 best Amtrak sleeper car routes
  • 7 things to pack for an Amtrak trip
  • Best Amtrak route to ride in each month of the year
  • Amtrak’s 15 long-distance routes and the places they go

Top photo credit: Loco Steve/Flickr.com (Empire Builder at Marias Pass)

' src=

  • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
  • Subscribe Subscribed
  • Copy shortlink
  • Report this content
  • View post in Reader
  • Manage subscriptions
  • Collapse this bar
  • Credit cards
  • View all credit cards
  • Banking guide
  • Loans guide
  • Insurance guide
  • Personal finance
  • View all personal finance
  • Small business
  • Small business guide
  • View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

The 5 Best Cross-Country Amtrak Trips

Carissa Rawson

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Watching the world whirl by as you roll across the country can spark nostalgic joy. Perhaps this is the reason many travelers take cross-country train rides. Whether you're heading North or South, let’s take a look at the five best cross-country trips that Amtrak offers.

Why take a cross-country tour on Amtrak?

Trains can be an excellent alternative to cars, especially since you never need to stop and rest. And because your accommodation can be included with an Amtrak ticket, you won’t need to pay for hotels along the way either.

Book and pay for these trips with a credit card that will maximize your earnings and offer you travel protections. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® will earn 3x Ultimate Rewards ® on Amtrak purchases and provides complimentary travel insurance .

Although an Amtrak trip takes longer than a flight, you’ll have a lot more room. Depending on the type of ticket you book, you’ll be able to choose from wide leather seats, a first class cabin or even a room to yourself. Even better, private rooms come with their own bathrooms and showers.

» Learn more: Need a fall getaway? Here’s how to travel by train for less

1. The Northern route

There are a few different ways to travel cross-country via Amtrak, but one of the best is the Northern route.

Starting in Seattle, this trip takes you into Idaho, across Montana, then through North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin before ending in Chicago (though you could continue farther east if you’d like).

This gives you the opportunity to see some of the best scenery in the United States, with vast swaths of rugged country just outside your window.

» Learn more: How to get cheap Amtrak tickets

2. Route 66

Ever heard of Route 66? This iconic highway was the most famous way to drive across the U.S. before faster, more convenient freeways took over. Although Amtrak doesn’t follow the historic Route 66 exactly, it makes a pretty good effort.

Starting in Chicago, you’ll journey southwest to Iowa, then down to Kansas and New Mexico. From New Mexico, you’ll head west to Arizona and then into California.

» Learn more: The complete guide to Amtrak Guest Rewards

3. Through the mountains

If you want to take the most direct route across the U.S., you’re going to have to go through some mountains, and this journey takes you through not one, but two mountain ranges.

Enjoy the Sierras and the Rockies on this route, which starts in San Francisco, travels across Nevada, passes through Utah and then tracks through Colorado, Nebraska and Iowa before ending in Chicago.

» Learn more: 5 things to know about the Amtrak credit card

4. The Southern route

The Southern route starts in Washington, D.C., and ends in Los Angeles.

Along the way, you’ll get to see Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona before detraining in the City of Angels. If that sounds exhausting, don’t worry, you’re free to take unlimited naps throughout the trip.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

5. The West

Taking a cross-country train trip doesn’t mean you’re stuck traveling coast to coast.

Instead, consider one of the many coastal routes Amtrak offers, like the one from San Diego all the way north to Seattle (and you can continue on into Canada if you’d like).

This Western route hugs much of California’s coast before veering inland to travel through Oregon and Washington. Although it may be shorter than some other cross-country trips, it more than makes up for it in views. Have you ever wanted oceanfront scenery speeding by as you relax with a glass of wine? This route makes it possible.

» Learn more: Credit cards can help you save on buses and trains, too

If you’re considering Amtrak’s cross-country routes …

America may not have the most extensive train network compared to other countries. However, it is home to Amtrak, the biggest railroad provider in the U.S. Among its many routes are several cross-country journeys that pass through half a dozen states.

There are many reasons to consider train travel over other forms of transportation. Nostalgia aside, these scenic journeys can be an affordable way to see much of the U.S. without relying on a car to get around. Plus, depending on the ticket you book, you can also take advantage of beds, showers and meals on board the train.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

cross country rail travel

Train advice from the Man in Seat 61...

The Man in Seat 61

Share on Facebook

A beginner's guide to

Train travel in the usa.

  • Buy train tickets
  • Buy ferry tickets
  • Book a hotel
  • Privacy & cookies
  •   Home

Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, usa coast to coast from $236.

You'll see nothing of America at 35,000 feet, come down to Earth and see world class scenery from an Amtrak train across the United States.  You can travel cross-country from as little as $236 (£188 or €220) if you book well in advance, one of the world's great travel bargains.  The USA has an excellent rail network for visitors, it may only be a skeleton network by European standards but it'll take you to almost all the towns & cities a visitor wants to see, in comfort at affordable prices.  It'll take you to many of the U.S. national parks, too.  Long-distance trains in the USA are operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, better known as Amtrak, www.amtrak.com .  This page explains what you need to know to plan and book a memorable cross-country trip by train.

small bullet point

Train service in the USA, at a glance    See detailed map

This route map shows where Amtrak trains run.  Each of the very long-distance transcontinental routes shown in blue has one daily train, except for New York to Florida with 2 trains a day and the Sunset Limited (New Orleans-San Antonio-Los Angeles) which runs 3 times a week.  Important short distance routes (for example, Washington-New York-Boston or Los Angeles-San Diego) have regular intercity services and are shown in red.  It's easy to check Amtrak train times at www.amtrak.com , just use their online booking system.  Click here for the official large-scale Amtrak route map .

Useful country information

Cross-country by train.

The 3,000 mile journey across the United States by train is one of the world's greatest travel experiences.  It's easy, comfortable, safe, and an affordable alternative to flying.  Free route guides are available on board each train, telling you what to look out for from the window, and the scenery on many routes is world class. 

In a nutshell

The 3,000 mile coast-to-coast train ride takes 3 nights, without stopovers.

Choose from 4 or 5 different cross-country routes, each with their own character.  I explain the most scenic routes below with train times & description.  You can stop off on the way, but remember that a separate ticket/reservation is needed for each stage.

It takes one night from New York, Boston or Washington DC to Chicago where you change trains, then two nights from Chicago to Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle on a superb double-deck Superliner train .  You can also travel coast to coast via New Orleans , this takes an extra night as you need to spend a night in New Orleans.  Most of the trains run daily all year round, although the New Orleans-LA train only operates three times a week.

Check out the cross-country train packages at www.amtrakvacations.com , they can sort packages with tickets, private sleeping accommodations on the train, stopovers & hotels included.

If you book regular tickets online at www.amtrak.com , cross-country fares from New York to Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle start at just $236 in a spacious reclining seat, surely one of the world's greatest travel bargains.  A private sleeper for 1 or 2 people can be added to your booking, the extra cost is often quite hefty but the sleeper room charge includes all meals as well as tea, coffee & fruit juice throughout the trip. Amtrak's spacious trains also have cafe & lounge cars, open to both seat and sleeper passengers.  See descriptions of the trains here .

On-time performance .  Bear in mind that these trains run for over 2,000 miles, although they often arrive on time or perhaps half an hour late, they can sometimes arrive an hour or two late or more, so don't book any tight connections.  You can see how your chosen trains have performed the last few weeks using www.amtrak.com/historical-on-time-performance and you can also see real-time train positions & performance at www.asm.transitdocs.com .

Which is the best cross-country train route?

I've crossed the United States multiple times by train, using every major cross-country train except the Texas Eagle.  Each transcontinental route has its own distinctive character even if the trains themselves are the same, but one stands out as the most spectacular for both scenery & historical significance:  I recommend the California Zephyr between Chicago and San Francisco, which you can take in connection with the Lake Shore Limited between New York or Boston and Chicago, or the Capitol Limited between Washington DC and Chicago.

The California Zephyr is one of world's greatest train journeys, in around 48 hours you will leave Chicago, roll over the vast farmlands of Nebraska, cross the Mississippi, scale the Rockies out of Denver over breakfast in the diner, snake through lovely Colorado canyons, and pass through the Sierra Nevada mountains to reach Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay area.  The route covers much of the very first historic trans-continental railroad route, and there's a commentary for the most significant section.  To give you an idea of what a cross-country train ride is like on this route, see the California Zephyr page . 

However, all Amtrak's cross-country train routes are scenic, and the Southwest Chief is another favourite.  It'll take you from Chicago to Los Angeles over the Santa Fe railroad (which used to operate the famous Super Chief) , alongside the equally famous Route 66, through Navajo Indian country.  This is another amazing trip, with a chance to stop off at the Grand Canyon .

Cross-country westbound 2024

* The California Zephyr terminates in Emeryville and an Amtrak Thruway bus transfers passengers across the Bay Bridge to the Temporary Transbay Terminal in downtown San Francisco.  Tickets can be booked through to (and luggage checked through to) San Francisco Transbay Terminal as if it was a rail station.

** The Chicago-Los Angles portion only runs 3 times a week, departing Chicago on Tuesdays, Fridays & Sundays. Daily Chicago-San Antonio.

Use these times as a guide, always check current times & fares at www.amtrak.com as they change from time to time.

Cross-country eastbound 2024

* The California Zephyr starts in Emeryville.  An Amtrak Thruway bus links the Transbay Terminal in downtown San Francisco with Emeryville across the Bay Bridge.  Tickets can be booked through from (and luggage checked in at) the Amtrak station at San Francisco Transbay Terminal as if it was a rail station.

*** The Los Angles to Chicago portion only runs 3 times a week, leaving LA on Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays.  Daily San Antonio-Chicago.

Facilities on each train

What are the trains like.

Click here to see what the trains are actually like inside & out, and to understand the sleeping-car, lounge & dining facilities.

How much does it cost?

3,000 miles coast-to-coast overland for as little at $236 has to be one of the world's greatest travel bargains!  Railpass options .

Amtrak fares are dynamic, so you'll see various prices on various dates, book ahead for the cheapest prices - these are the cheapest examples I have found.

Round trip fares are twice the one-way fare.  Children 2-12 (inclusive) travel at reduced fare, children under 2 travel free (limit one child under 2 per adult).

There's a 10% discount for seniors over 65 on some fares.  The discount applies to the base fare but not to saver fares, flexible fares, roomette/bedroom charges.

If you choose to travel in a sleeper, the premium fare column on the Amtrak website will show the total cost for all passengers travelling in a roomette or bedroom.  This is calculated as a basic fare for each passenger plus one charge covering the whole roomette or bedroom.  The roomette or bedroom cost is the same whether it's occupied by one person or two.  So a sleeper is a lot better value if there are two of you!  The two people price in the table above is the total you pay for two people sharing a roomette or bedroom.

Tip :  You can save 10% on the basic travel fare (but not on accommodation supplements) by becoming a member of the National Association of Railroad Passengers, which at the time of writing costs $35 for an individual or $50 for a family.  It can pay for itself on one coast to coast trip.  See www.narprail.org for full details and online sign-up.

Can I stop off on the way?

Yes of course, but if you want to stop off you'll need to buy separate tickets for each leg.  To book a cross-country trip with stopovers at any cities you want, simply look for the 'Multi-City' link at top right of the booking form on www.amtrak.com .  This allows you to book a trip with up to 4 segments, and of course you can book additional segments as separate bookings.  However, if you buy a through ticket at the cheapest price between an East Coast city such as New York and a West Coast city such as Los Angeles, then no, you cannot stop off, you must travel direct on your assigned trains.  Although the several hours between trains in Chicago is often time enough to climb the Sears Tower (now owned by the Willis corporation, see theskydeck.com ) and get great views over the city, it's only 5 minutes walk from Chicago Union Station!  As you can see from the fares table above, separate tickets New York to Chicago and Chicago-Los Angeles (so you can stop off in Chicago) work out about $35 more expensive than a New York to Los Angeles through ticket.

Want to stop off at the Grand Canyon?  See the Grand Canyon section

All the trains shown here offer checked baggage.  All passengers (both coach & sleeper) are entitled to check in up to 2 large items of luggage free of charge, plus an additional 2 large items for $20 each.  Maximum 50lbs (23Kg) per item, maximum total linear dimension (length + height + width) = 75".  Oversize bags (up to a total linear dimension of 100") $20 per bag.  A name and address label must be attached to each item.  Hand luggage is limited to two items per passenger, maximum 50lbs (23Kg) per item, dimensions 28" x 22" x 14".  See www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy .

You can check bags through to your final destination, so for example if you have a New York to San Francisco ticket you can check your bags in at New York all the way to San Francisco Transbay Terminal.  They will be transferred for you from train to train in Chicago and from train to bus at Emeryville, leaving you free of it until you arrive.

How to buy tickets

Option 1, buy at www.amtrak.com

Anyone from any country can buy tickets at Amtrak's own website www.amtrak.com , which sells all types of accommodation, seat & sleeper.

Booking opens 11 months in advance.  An e-ticket will be emailed to you, you can print it out or show it on your phone.

Or call Amtrak 24 hours a day on 1-800-USA RAIL.  From outside of the USA, Amtrak's international desk is + 1-215-856-7952.  Open Mon-Fri 08:30-16:00 Eastern Time.

Option 2, buy at Omio.com

Omio.com sells tickets for Amtrak seated accommodation quickly & simply, in multiple languages & currencies.  However, it can't sell sleeper accommodation.  You print out your ticket or can show it on your phone.

Let Amtrak Vacations arrange your trip

Amtrak Vacations is Amtrak's official partner for vacations, tours & packages.

Amtrak Vacations can put a package together from anywhere to anywhere to your specification, with private sleeping accommodations on the train, stopovers at cities or national parks, hotels & transfers.

They'll also do ticket-only bookings for cross-country Amtrak journeys, and you may get more help and advice if you book through them as they specialise in Amtrak's long-haul routes.  

Click here for Amtrak Vacations' cross-country packages

Lines are open 09:00-22:00 Monday-Friday & 09:00-17:30 Saturday, Eastern Time (5 hours behind the UK).

US flag

Let Railbookers arrange your trip

Railbookers are train travel specialists with offices in the UK, Australia & United States.  They can arrange coast to coast tours by train to your own specification, with trains, stopovers, hotels, transfers and (if necessary) flights all sorted.

UK flag

Escorted tours with Great Rail Journeys

Using a usa railpass.

A USA Railpass is available covering the whole Amtrak network or just parts of it, see advice on USA Railpasses here .

See it in pictures: Cross-country by train

See an illustrated journey from New York to San Francisco on Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and California Zephyr.

Back to top

Cross-country via New Orleans

This is the Southern cross-country route, a whole different flavour from the routes via Chicago.  Coast to coast via New Orleans takes 4 nights, making it slower than the more usual transcontinental route via Chicago, as you need to spend a night in New Orleans - but a stopover down south is hardly a burden!  For a taste of the deep south, this is the way to go.

Amtrak fares vary dynamically, so you'll see various fares on various dates, book ahead for the cheapest prices - these are just typical examples, assuming you book ahead.

Luggage arrangements .  Railpass options .   Can I stop off?

New York to Florida

Introducing Amtrak's Silver Service from New York & Washington DC to Orlando, Tampa & Miami.

Facilities on board

Silver Meteor:   Amfleet reclining seats ,  Viewliner sleeping-car , Amfleet cafe car .

Silver Star:   Amfleet reclining seats ,  Viewliner sleeping-car , Amfleet cafe car.

Luggage arrangements .

Anyone from any country can buy tickets at Amtrak's own website www.amtrak.com .  This sells all types of accommodation, seat & sleeper.

Omio.com sells tickets for Amtrak seated accommodation quickly & simply, in multiple languages & currencies.  However, it can't sell sleeper accommodation.  You just print out your ticket or show it on your phone.

Boston - New York - Washington

A fast and frequent inter-city service links Boston, New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC.  There are two types of train: Acela Express 150mph high-speed trains with 1st class & business class (premium fares apply) and regular trains with coach class and (in most cases) business class.  There are also services from Boston to Portland (Maine) and from Philadelphia to Harrisburg. See www.amtrak.com for times, fares and online booking, or try Omio.com .

How long does it take?

New York to Washington takes as little as 2h48 by Acela Express.

New York to Boston takes 3h30 by Acela Express.

Fares vary like air fares, with cheaper prices available the further ahead you book.  Round trip fares are twice the one-way fare.  Children 2-12 (inclusive) travel at reduced fare (except on Acela Express where there is no discount for children on weekdays), children under 2 travel free (limit one child under 2 per adult).

Luggage on Washington-New York-Boston trains:   These trains don't have checked baggage, you simply take your luggage with you onto the train and put it on the racks just as you would on any European train.  You can take 2 items up to 23Kg each, plus two smaller personal bags each up to 11Kg - pretty generous, see www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy .

Omio.com sells Amtrak tickets quickly & simply, in multiple languages & currencies.  You just print your ticket or show it on your phone.

Acela Express

Acela Express is Amtrak's very own high-speed train, reaching 150 mph on certain sections of upgraded line.  It has first class & business class, there's no economy coach class.  Premium fares apply, with no discounts for children on weekdays.

Northeast Regional trains

Cheaper but slower than Acela Express, with coach class & business class between Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore & Washington DC.

Other Amtrak routes

New york - niagara falls.

Three daily trains link New York via Albany with Niagara Falls.  Journey time is a leisurely 8 hours 30 minutes, a relaxing journey along the Hudson River Valley out of New York, past Storm King Mountain and West Point Military Academy, a very scenic route, highly recommended.  See either Omio.com or www.amtrak.com for times, fares and online booking.

New York - Toronto, Montreal (Canada)

A daily train called the Maple Leaf links New York with Toronto via Niagara Falls, and another daily train called the Adirondack links New York with Montreal via the scenic Adirondack mountains.  Both trains travel along the Hudson River Valley out of New York, past Storm King Mountain and West Point Military Academy, a very scenic route, highly recommended.  See the Train travel in Canada page for train times .

Chicago - Memphis - New Orleans

Amtrak's daily City of New Orleans links these cities, with Superliner seats, sleeping-cars, sightseer lounge and dining-car .  For times, fares and online booking, see www.amtrak.com .

Intercity trains in California

Regular trains link Los Angeles, Anaheim (for Disneyland), and San Diego.  Regular trains link San Francisco (Oakland) with Sacramento, Bakersfield and San Jose.  A daily train links Los Angeles with San Francisco (Oakland).  See either Omio.com , www.amtrak.com or www.amtrakcalifornia.com for times, fares and online booking.

Seattle - Portland - Oakland (San Francisco) - Los Angeles

Amtrak's daily Coast Starlight links these cities, with Superliner seats, sleeping-cars, sightseer lounge and dining-car .  For times, fares and online booking, see www.amtrak.com .

Portland - Seattle - Vancouver

Amtrak runs an inter-city service between these cities, see www.amtrakcascades.com - Some of these services use European-design Talgo trains.

Luggage on trains without checked baggage:   Some of these trains don't have checked baggage, you simply take your luggage with you onto the train and put it on the racks just as you would on any European train.  Generous limits apply - 2 items each up to 23Kg, plus two smaller personal bags each up to 11Kg, see www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy .

What are Amtrak trains like ?

Short distance trains come in various types, all with comfortable air-conditioned seating and often with a café car.  On the Boston-New York-Washington DC route, there is now the premium fare, 150mph Acela Express high speed train, based on French TGV technology, but running on conventional tracks.

(1)  Long distance trains in the east

Long-distance trains east of Chicago (such as the New York-Chicago Lake Shore Limited , the New York to Florida Silver Star & Silver Meteor or the New York to New Orleans Crescent , but not the Washington to Chicago Capitol Limited ) have Viewliner sleeping-cars , Amfleet reclining seat cars and an Amfleet cafe/lounge car serving snacks and drinks.  If you have paid for a sleeper, meals are included in the fare.

Amfleet reclining seats

These distinctive stainless-steel coaches have comfortable reclining seats with loads of legroom, drop-down tables & 120v power sockets for laptops & mobiles.  Drinking water is available in each coach.  Unlike in Europe, your reservation does not secure a specific seat in a specific coach, you can sit where you like once on board.  An attendant looks after each seats car, and will place a 'seat ticket' above your seat to indicate that the seat is taken.

Dining cars, cafe cars & flexible dining

Most long-distance trains have a cafe/lounge car serving hot & cold drinks and snacks, with an area with seats & tables for socialising.  The cafe/lounge car can be used by both sleeper and seats passengers.

Traditional dining-cars on all the 1-night long-distance trains east of Chicago were discontinued in 2018-2019.

Amtrak now offers sleeper passengers what it calls Flexible Dining on these trains.  Sleeper passengers are served pre-packed reheated or microwaved meals delivered to their sleeper compartments, or meals can be served in the table area of the cafe/lounge car.   The New York-Florida Silver Star and Silver Meteor retain dining-cars of the new Viewliner II type with an impressive double row of windows, but only to serve the pre-packaged Flexible Dining meals to sleeper passengers.

Latest update:   In March 2023 full dining has been reinstated on the Silver Star between New York and Florida.

Viewliner sleeping-cars

Long-distance trains in the East have Viewliner sleeping cars.  The distinctive double row of windows on these cars makes them light & airy during the day, and gives both upper & lower berths a window for star-gazing at night.  Travelling by Amtrak sleeper is a real treat.  All sleeper passengers get complimentary meals in the dining car,  and a 'coffee station' provides complimentary tea/coffee & fruit juice in the morning.  You return from dinner in the diner to find you bed made up for the night by the sleeper attendant.  A hot shower is available at the end of the corridor if you're travelling in a roomette, or en suite if you are travelling in a bedroom.  All necessary bedding, soap and towels are provided.  However, sleeper travel isn't cheap.  In Europe you can pay a small supplement for a berth in a shared couchette or sleeper compartment.  In the US, you have to pay for the whole room whether there are two of you or just one.  To give you a rough idea, some sample sleeper supplements are shown in the fares section above.   Viewliner sleeping-cars have:

(2)  Long distance trains in the west

Long-distance trains between Chicago & Los Angeles/San Francisco/Seattle/Portland, also the New Orleans-Los Angeles Sunset Limited , Seattle-Los Angeles Coast Starlight and Washington DC-Chicago Capitol Limited use impressive double-deck Superliner cars.  Superliner trains have coach class reclining seats , sleeping-cars , a dining car & an observation-lounge car .  A route guide is available free on these trains, telling you want to look out for along the way.  Watch a video guide to Amtrak Superliner trains .

Superliner reclining seats

Coach class reclining seats are spacious with lots of legroom, comparable with business class on an airliner.  Don't worry if you can't afford a sleeper, these seats recline to about 40 degrees, and are quite easy to sleep in, in fact if there is any train in the world where I wouldn't much mind not having a sleeper, Amtrak trains are the ones I'd choose.  There are 120v power sockets for laptops & mobiles at each seat, and drinking water is available in each coach.  Unlike in Europe, your reservation does not secure a specific seat in a specific coach, you can sit where you like once on board.  An attendant looks after each seats car, and will place a 'seat ticket' above your seat to indicate that the seat is taken.  You can either bring a blanket or buy an Amtrak blanket from the lounge car.  Panorama photo of Superliner coach class .

Superliner Sightseer Lounge car

On the upper deck is an observation lounge with armchairs & tables and huge windows for sightseeing.  On the lower deck is a cafe selling drinks & snacks.  All passengers can use the lounge car, whether they are travelling in coach class or in the sleepers.  You end up spending most of your day here, watching America unfold in front of you!   Seats are available on a first-come, first served basis, but it's not usually too difficult to find a seat or two free.  However, they do fill up for the most scenic sections of the journey!  See panorama of a Superliner lounge car .

Superliner dining car

Trains west of Chicago retain a proper dining-car with freshly-cooked food.  During the pandemic, the dining-car was only open to sleeper passengers, but in 2023 coach seat passengers were allowed to use the diner again on most routes.  The dining-car serves breakfast, lunch & dinner.  All the tables in a Superliner dining-car are on the top deck for great views while you eat - the kitchens are downstairs.

Meals are included in the fare if you have a sleeper, although drinks are extra.  In the sleepers, the dining-car manager comes down the train asking each passenger which sitting for lunch or dinner they'd like, and issuing table reservations.  An announcement is made at the start of each sitting. 

Note that couples and singles don't get a whole 4-seater restaurant table to themselves, you'll normally be seated with other passengers. This is a great chance to meet people, even if you're travelling solo.  Panorama photo of Superliner dining-car .

What's the food like?   The food is surprisingly good:  The Angus Steak Burger is great for lunch, for dinner the herb-roast chicken & rice is good and the garlic butter marinated New York Strip Steak is excellent.  A beer costs around $6, a half bottle of very good Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot costs around $15.  For breakfast next morning a freshly-cooked breakfast of eggs, bacon & potatoes hits the spot.  There is also a children's menu.  Credit cards are accepted.  You can find sample menus on the Amtrak website www.amtrak.com , click 'plan' then look for 'meal & dining options'.

Since 2018, sleeper passengers on the Lake Shore Limited  (NYC-Chicago) & Capitol Limited (Washington-Chicago) get a pre-packed meal either served in their compartment or eaten in a lounge area.

Superliner sleeping-car s

Travelling by Amtrak sleeper is a real treat.  All sleeper passengers get complimentary breakfast, lunch & dinner in the dining car,  and each sleeping-car has a 'coffee station' with complimentary tea/coffee and fruit juice available in the morning.  You return from dinner in the diner to find you bed made up for the night by the sleeper attendant.  All necessary bedding, soap and towels are provided.  Superliner sleeping-cars are double-deck, with 10 very compact 2-berth roomettes and 4 larger 2-berth bedrooms on the upper deck, whilst the lower deck has another 4 roomettes, 1 family bedroom & 1 special accessible bedroom.  The bedrooms have a private shower & toilet, for roomette passengers there are toilets on both upper and lower decks, and a hot shower on the lower deck.  The gangways to the adjacent cars are on the upper deck.  However, sleeper travel isn't cheap.  In Europe you can pay a small supplement for a berth in a shared couchette or sleeper compartment.  In the US, you have to pay for the whole room whether there are two of you or just one.  To give you a rough idea, some sample sleeper supplements are shown in the fares section above.   Superliner sleeping-cars offer:

Video guide: Riding a Superliner train

The grand canyon connection.

There are two main ways to reach the Grand Canyon as part of a cross-country train trip, after you get off Amtrak's Chief at Flagstaff Arizona.  The first is to use a bus between Flagstaff and the South Rim of the Canyon, journey time 1 hour 45 minutes each way.  The other is to take a connecting Amtrak Thruway bus to the nearby town of Williams and use the historic Grand Canyon Railway to the Canyon, journey time 2 hours Williams to the South Rim.

Option 1, Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon by bus

Scheduled buses link Flagstaff's Amtrak station (which also incorporates the excellent local Visitor Centre) with the Grand Canyon's South Rim, with an 8am bus departure from Flagstaff conveniently connecting out of Amtrak's Chief from Los Angeles arriving at the Grand canyon around 1 hour 45 minutes later.  A bus returns from the Grand Canyon at 6.15pm (also at 4.15pm from March to October), arriving back in Flagstaff 1 hour 45 minutes or so later.  It can easily be done as a day trip, returning to Flagstaff in time for the evening Chief to Los Angeles, although you can of course choose to stay overnight at the hotels at the Grand Canyon.  For bus times see groometransportation.com/grand-canyon .  The bus fare is around $34 each way.

Grand Canyon Tours from Flagstaff:   Alternatively, take a tour.  A company called The Grand Canyon Store http://grandcanyoncustomtours.com   offers 1-day tours from both Flagstaff & Williams to the Grand Canyon, including a tour to the Grand Canyon Village & South Rim, and the more extensive Inner Canyon Tour that actually takes you to the Colorado River at the bottom of the canyon, not merely to the South Rim as with other tours and the scheduled bus - not surprisingly the Inner Canyon Tour is their most popular!  They also do a tour from Flagstaff to the South Rim using the Grand Canyon Railway, see the section below.

www.amtrakvacations.com can put together an Amtrak coast-to-coast package for you with a stopover at the Grand Canyon, or a tour from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon and back, customised you your specification.  See Grand Canyon packages .

Option 2, Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway

The more interesting way to reach the Canyon is on the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the Canyon's South Rim.  This is the original Santa Fe railroad branch line, Williams Junction just outside Williams town is where the line diverges from the Chicago-LA main line.  However, Amtrak's Southwest Chief no longer calls at Williams Junction (it called there at uncivilised times in any case), you now use Flagstaff as the stop for the Grand Canyon with Amtrak bus connection to Williams.

To reach the Grand Canyon by train, get off the Amtrak's Chief at Flagstaff and take the connecting Amtrak Thruway bus to Williams.  The buses are timed to connect with train's arrival & departure to and from both Chicago and Los Angeles.  Williams is a pleasant town with plenty of motels, shops & diners.  The Grand Canyon Railway runs a daily morning train some 65 miles over the Santa Fe's historic railway from Williams station to Grand Canyon South Rim station in the Grand Canyon Village, right on the edge of the Canyon's South Rim.  The train returns in the afternoon, arriving in time to have dinner then catch the shuttle bus to Flagstaff for Amtrak's Chief onwards to Los Angeles.

The Amtrak reservation system at www.amtrak.com will actually let you buy through tickets between Los Angeles and Grand Canyon in either direction, although if you want to book through tickets between New York or Chicago and Grand Canyon this involves an overnight stay in Williams so you'll need to use the multi-city booking feature.  But you can book your Amtrak trains at www.amtrak.com then book the Grand Canyon train at the GCR official website, www.thetrain.com .

You can also book Chicago-LA packages with Amtrak travel and a trip to the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway at www.amtrakvacations.com , Amtrak's official partner for tours and packages involving Amtrak travel.  See Grand Canyon packages .

The fare includes entry to the Wild West show at Williams station in the hour before departure, and some Wild West entertainment on board!

USA rail passes

One of the best ways to see America is with an Amtrak USA rail pass, but be aware of its limitations before you invest in one.

A 30-day 10-segment rail pass costs around $499.

That's 10 train rides, enough to travel coast to coast 5 times, at €49.90 per train ride!  Children aged 2-12 get passes for half price, under 2's travel free.

Segments:   Sadly, since 2008 Amtrak's USA railpass no longer gives unlimited travel, it only covers a maximum of 10 'segments'.  This is the maximum number of individual train rides you can take during your 30 day pass duration.

A segment is one train ride on one train:  So a 2-day 2,200-mile trip from Chicago to Los Angeles on the Southwest Chief counts as one segment, and a 30-minute ride on a Northeast Regional train is also one segment.  Go figure!  A journey involving a change of train (for example, New York to Chicago on the Lake Shore Limited then Chicago to San Francisco on the California Zephyr ) counts as two segments.

Will a railpass save you money?   Very probably, if you intend making 8, 9 or 10 long-distance train rides.  10 rides for $499 is €49.90 per train ride, if (say) you only used 7 segments it'd work out at $71 per train ride.  Now use the journey planner at www.amtrak.com to see what normal fares would be, to compare.  But read the bit about passholder quotas below!

Reservations, upgrades & quotas

Railpasses are valid for any Amtrak train in the USA except Acela Express high-speed services and the Auto-Train car-carrying service.

Reservations are required!   The railpass is not a ticket, you must make a (free) reservation before boarding any train.  You can make reservations online at www.amtrak.com after buying your pass.  Alternatively, you can make them at stations as you travel around or by calling Amtrak's 24 hour freephone number, 1-800-USA RAIL (from outside the States call Amtrak on (001) 215-856-7953, not free).

Upgrading to a sleeper is no longer possible:   It used to be possible to upgrade to a private sleeper when using a pass, simply by paying the appropriate room charge.  For an idea of sleeper room charges, see the fares section above .  However, in 2021 this has changed, though it's not clear if this is permanent or temporary.  At present you cannot upgrade to a sleeper (or to business class) with a pass.  So only buy a pass if you're happy using a seat, even overnight.

Warning about passholder quotas:   After buying your pass, you can make reservations online, or at stations as you go, or by calling Amtrak.  However, with a pass you can only book trains on which a Value or Saver fare is available.  If only the most expensive Flexible fare is showing, you cannot use your pass on that train, even if there are seats still available for customers paying cash.  Many trains have Value or Saver fares available even on the day before departure, and sometimes even on the day of travel itself, but not always.  Trains get busy in summer, Value and Saver fares have limited-availability and often sell out.  When they sell out, you can't use your pass on that train.  So don't buy a pass only to find you can't travel on the trains you need.  Before buying the pass, use the journey planner at www.amtrak.com to get a feel for how fares work, and to see if your chosen trains have Value or Saver fares left.

How to buy an Amtrak Railpass

Check prices in pounds & buy a USA railpass (UK-based company, but passes sent to addresses worldwide)

Check prices in Australian dollars & buy a USA railpass (Australia & NZ residents)

Tours by train across America

Amtrak vacations, www.amtrakvacations.com.

Amtrak Vacations is Amtrak's official partner.  They can put a package together to your own specification, from anywhere to anywhere, with private sleeping accommodations on the train, stopovers at cities or national parks, hotels & transfers.  They'll also do ticket-only bookings for cross-country Amtrak journeys, and you may get more help and advice if you book through them as they specialise in Amtrak's long-haul routes.

Railbookers

Train travel specialist Railbookers have offices in the UK, USA & Australia.  They can arrange a tour by train across the United States on Amtrak, starting any date you like, to your own specification with hotels and train reservations all made for you, hassle-free.  They know what they're doing, and take good care of their clients, and I have no hesitation in recommending them.

US flag

Escorted coast-to-coast tour with www.greatrail.com , 01904 527 120

G uidebooks, click the images to buy at amazon.co.uk or amazon.com.

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Hotels in the USA

New York:  The Algonquin is New York's oldest operating hotel, opened in 1902, and a designated New York City Historic Landmark.  Perfectly located in mid-town Manhattan, a block or two from Times Square one way and Grand Central the other, with a lovely wood-panelled lobby and even its own hotel cat, which you may find wandering the corridors or sitting on the reception desk.  To check prices & book, click here .  For the Algonquin's history see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algonquin_Hotel .

Washington DC:   Phoenix Park Hotel .  A great choice, directly across the road from Union Station so handy for arrivals and departures by train, with an excellent Irish Pub doing great food & Irish beer on the premises, and just 2 minutes walk from the capitol.  From around $154 for a double.

Los Angeles:   Hotel Queen Mary (closed for refurbishment in mid-2022, but reopened in April 2023).  This has got to be of the most fascinating places to stay, anywhere.  If you go to Los Angeles, consider making the Hotel Queen Mary your base to explore the Los Angeles - Hollywood - Disneyland area.  The original Queen Mary of 1936 has been permanently moored at Long Beach in California since the late 1960s, some 25 miles from Los Angeles Union Station (about a $90 taxi ride), and it's undoubtedly the most wonderful place to stay in LA.  The hotel consists of most of the original first class cabins on board the Queen Mary, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars available on board, too.  Hotel guests can more or less wander the ship at will, and even sign up for ghost hunts at night on board (and yes, from my own experience there is something going on aboard that beautiful ship!).  Wood panelled art deco interiors have been preserved, although a few modern items have been installed such as televisions, and (as we worked out from a historic deck plan) in some cases two of the Queen Mary's original cabins have been knocked into one hotel suite by turning one of the en suite bathrooms into a connecting corridor.  She is one of the most atmospheric places I have ever stayed.

Backpacker hostels in the USA: www.hostelworld.com

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in many places across the States at rock-bottom prices.

Flights to the USA

1)  check flight prices at opodo, www.opodo.com, 2)  use skyscanner to compare flight prices & routes worldwide across 600 airlines....

skyscanner generic 728x90

3)  Lounge passes

Make the airport experience a little more bearable with a VIP lounge pass, it's not as expensive as you think, see www.loungepass.com .  I have found that having lounge access with complimentary tea, coffee, food and wine makes all the difference to an economy flight.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

Never travel overseas without travel insurance from a reliable insurer, with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover cancellation and loss of cash and belongings, up to a sensible limit.  An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than several single-trip policies even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Here are some suggested insurers.  Seat61 gets a small commission if you buy through these links.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a mobile data package for the country you're visiting and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM card so you don't need to buy a physical SIM, including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate, then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month at time of writing.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than digging a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  W hy you need a VPN

When you're travelling you often use free WiFi in public places which may not be secure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using the links on this page, you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I get a small commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, vaccination records and Interrail or Eurail passes are often held digitally on your mobile phone, so it's vital to keep it charged.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over if I can't get to a power outlet.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or from Buy from Amazon.com .

Back to home page

My Itchy Travel Feet

My Itchy Travel Feet

The Baby Boomer's Guide To Travel

Planning a Cross Country Train Trip on Amtrak

This article may contain referral links. Read our DISCLOSURE

Updated 12.01.2019: Are you thinking about a cross country train trip in the U.S.? Guest contributor, Julie Diebolt Price from JDP Travels , takes us inside her USA rail journey traveling from Kansas City to Los Angeles on Amtrak. Don’t miss her train travel tips!

Celebrating retirement and a birthday on a USA rail journey

Plane, train, or automobile? That was the first question I asked myself when we got the family reunion invitation to Missouri. How to make the most of this travel opportunity was vital. I also like to create memorable trips for milestone birthdays, and this is the biggest for me.

Eagerly awaiting my 65th birthday and collecting Social Security this July, I knew that my husband and I would have the opportunity for slow travel. So we combined a boomer road trip with a cross country train adventure.

What a perfect time to retire from working for someone else. I scheduled the Blast Off and packed my bags.

Travel planning for family, friends, and clients, as well as conducting photography workshops and tour guiding fulfill my appetite for exploration. When I travel any distance away from home, I want to get the most out of the effort.

Generally, I design the trip in a big circle so that there is no backtracking or covering old ground. I believe in departing from the origin and returning from the opposite direction whenever possible.

Planning a cross country train trip

Amtrak Train with Conductor

The U.S. map was spread out on the counter so I could get a complete visual of the states to include on this Blast Off Trip that begins and ends in Los Angeles. Kansas City, Missouri is the closest large city near the reunion and has a major airport. Airplane? Nah. Automobile? Not a chance. We drove there several times in the past—don’t want to do it again. 

Kansas City is a significant stop on the Amtrak Southwest Chief line that runs from Chicago to Los Angeles (or vice versa). For the return trip, the Amtrak Sunset Limited originates in New Orleans and ends in Los Angeles. You guessed it, we’re going by train!

How do we get from Kansas City to New Orleans? Road trip!

To break up the return train ride to Los Angeles from New Orleans, we planned layovers in San Antonio and El Paso/Las Cruces. They are more than just whistle stops on the Amtrak line and offered new experiences which we enjoyed.

Always add time to your itinerary, when you can, for unexpected delays or schedule changes. Flexibility allows for not-to-be-missed events.

All the research, pre-planning and many reservations were completed online three to twelve months before departure with some follow-up phone calls. Assistance was also provided by some local Convention and Visitors Bureaus along our route. Some excursions were also coordinated while we were in transit.

Renting a car on a USA train trip

Clock, fountain, and WWI Museum from Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri

Because the family reunion was out in the country, my husband and I needed a vehicle. Enterprise Rent-A-Car is my agency of choice for car rentals because “they pick you up”! Fortunately, there is a location near the train station in Kansas City, and I confirmed that they would pick us up upon our arrival. 

There may be more than one Enterprise Rent-A-Car location near your destination. It is less expensive to reserve a vehicle at off-airport properties. The savings can be significant and worth investigating. That is quickly done on their website.

Train travel is not necessarily cheaper than air travel. Nor is train travel glamorous. It’s more about the experience on the train, watching the scenery and relaxing compared to driving or flying. Think casual and unassuming.

Road tripping from Missouri to New Orleans

Connecting the dots from central Missouri to New Orleans was easy. With only a few hours’ drive between cities, Memphis, Tennessee, and Jackson, Mississippi were logical choices for our road trip stops. We had not been to these notable cities in our country’s history. Memphis , the birthplace of Rock and Roll, and Jackson, the City with Soul, provide countless opportunities to experience music, BBQ, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement.

New Orleans begs for more than just a few days of your time. Exploring the French Quarter and cemeteries, taking a ghost tour, and dining at outstanding restaurants should be experienced at a leisurely pace.

Jefferson Parish (we would call it a county), just outside NOLA, offers a multitude of outdoor activities including a not-to-be-missed airboat adventure (complete with alligators) and more fine dining with alligator on the menu. The plantations in Jefferson Parish that are open for tours are a vital history lesson for us all.

Don’t forget to check and double-check your reservations before departure. Sign up for Amtrak alert texts to keep informed while traveling.

During the planning stage, I was delighted to find an Enterprise Rent-A-Car location close to the Amtrak station in New Orleans. I secured lodging a short drive away from Union Passenger Terminal to coordinate the drop off of our car on our departure morning.

We timed our arrival at Enterprise a few minutes before they opened at 7:30 am., waited for them to give us a ride to the station where we arrived precisely one hour before departure. Boarding begins thirty minutes prior. This plan came together perfectly, with no hiccups.

Note that we incurred a drop charge for the one-way rental from Kansas City to New Orleans because we didn’t return it to the point of origin.

Taking side trips on a cross country train itinerary

El Paso Union Passenger Station

Our train trip allowed for taking breaks in San Antonio and again in El Paso. Afterwards, we hopped back on the train to continue the journey to Los Angeles. Of course, it’s important to make arrangements for getting around.

In San Antonio, we did not reserve a rental car. Ridesharing (Uber/Lyft) was convenient and quick. In fact, we took Ubers in all the cities, thus avoiding parking and navigation issues. That made the best use of our short time there. We were able to get a tour of the city, visit The Alamo, and the Riverwalk—highlights of this Texas town not to be missed.

Out of El Paso, we rented a car from Enterprise Rent-A-Car to drive about 45 minutes to Las Cruces. In addition to hitting the Green Chili Trail, the famous Art and Farmer’s Market on Main Street , and the touching Veteran’s Memorial, we had an exceptional insider’s tour of Spaceport America . Space tourists will be hosted and launched from this locale, and Las Cruces is growing to meet the demand for housing and services.

Should you book a roomette or reserved coach on Amtrak?

 Pillows on an Amtrak roomette seat on a cross country train trip.

Initially, we planned on Reserved Coach seats for the entire trip. Amtrak ran a Two-for-One special fare, so it made the train a cost-effective choice.

After further consideration, we decided to upgrade to the Roomette for the outbound journey. We lost the special fare for that segment but felt it was worth it for more sleeping comfort.

Purchase a Comfort Kit from Amtrak for $10, or bring your own: Inflatable pillow , eye mask, earplugs, and blanket. Trains can get cold. Pack a jacket with hood or sweater and scarf.

After experiencing long-distance Amtrak train travel on this Blast Off Trip, following are some pros and cons.

Roomette Pros:

  • More security for personal belongings when out of the compartment
  • The ticket price includes all meals (not alcohol)
  • Shower facilities downstairs

Roomette Cons:

  • Very small for two people—hard to change clothes when the compartment is arranged for sleeping
  • Close to the engine—loud whistle
  • Need assistance to set up sleeping accommodations—timing not ideal
  • The ticket price includes all meals—too much food (like aboard a cruise ship)
  • Not enough storage space
  • Only one electrical outlet in the compartment

Reserved Seat Pros:

  • Lots of legroom
  • Storage space overhead
  • Electrical outlet for each seat

Reserved Seat Cons:

  • Drafty and cold
  • Passengers moving continuously between Dining Car, Lounge, and Observation Car

Always bring sanitizing wipes for the seat back tray tables for the train just as you would for airplanes.

Dining on Amtrak

Breakfast of bacon, eggs, quesadilla, guacamole, and coffee served in Amtrak Dining Car

The meals were tasty despite being served on plastic plates. Breakfast included hot cereal, yogurt, a Continental, pancakes, eggs, bacon and more. Lunch selections ranged from hot and cold sandwiches, a salad, and even mussels. Salads (complimentary for sleeping car passengers) were fresh with a dinner roll and a selection of three kinds of dressing.

Mussels served in an Amtrak bowl.

The dinner menu included beef, chicken, fish, seafood, and vegan dishes with gluten-free and low-calorie desserts.I must say the coffee, available at all hours, was truly delicious. It was always tasty and fresh.

Salad topped with nuts, onions and tomato.

Is Amtrak right for you?

Over and over we heard passengers exclaim, “This is my first trip on a train. I love it!” There is something about a long-distance train trip that must be experienced, and I’m so glad I did. I felt safe in both the Roomette and the Reserved Coach seats and will consider either accommodation for future train travel, whether alone or with a companion.

For now, I have reached the end of the line.

Did you know that we publish a weekly broadcast with the latest articles from My Itchy Travel Feet, timely trip inspiration and travel deals? Subscribe by clicking here . 

Disclosure: Julie and her husband were hosted at some venues by Memphis Tourism, Visit Jefferson Parish, and Visit Las Cruces.

Save to Pinterest

Planning an Amtrak Cross Country Train Trip

Scratch those itchy travel feet!

Boomer travelers rely on our weekly email newsletter for fresh travel inspiration, tips, and advice. It's free! No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

You may also like

No related posts.

The Road Goes On Forever

The Road Goes On Forever

Moving Is The Closest Thing To Being Free

The Ultimate Guide to Amtrak Cross-Country Travel

Amtrak cross-country train turning a corner

It was one of the original methods for bridging the vast expanses of a young United States – the railroad. The age of the freeway and discount air travel may have ended rail’s status as top dog in the travel world. But train travel is still very much alive for those willing to seek out a little adventure. Long-distance and cross-country rail travel can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget. But if you’re like many people intrigued by the idea, the logistics may be holding you back. We’re taking a look at everything you need to know for a successful and fun trip on Amtrak cross-country.

Can You Travel Cross-Country By Amtrak Train?

Yes, and no. Let me explain.

Unfortunately, there is no single Amtrak train that runs coast to coast. You’ll need to transfer at least one time to complete a cross-country trip, either in Chicago or New Orleans. This means that, depending on the schedules of your trains, you will likely have a layover. Keep this in mind when planning your trip, but don’t worry too much. Both cities have a ton of great things to do, even for those visiting for a short time.

From Chicago or New Orleans, you’ll be able to complete your trip to the opposite coast. These often terminate at larger hub stations that also offer the opportunity to hop trains heading up and down the coast as a bonus to your Amtrak cross-country trip.

What Amtrak Routes Are Best For Traveling Cross-Country?

For our purposes, we’ll start on the east coast and head west. But in just about all cases, these routes will work in reverse. However, your schedule will be different, which could affect connections and layovers.

Amtrak cross-country route map

From New York City Or Washington, DC

You’ll begin in either New York (for the Cardinal, Crescent, or Lake Shore Limited) or Washington (for the Capitol Limited.)

The Cardinal

cross country rail travel

The Cardinal travels from New York City to Chicago via DC, Charlottesville, VA, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis. You’ll watch the sprawl of the northeast corridor fall away into the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia before heading along the Ohio River out into the Midwest. It takes 26 hours and 30 minutes to complete the full trip.

The Crescent

cross country rail travel

The Crescent also originates in New York City. It takes a longer route down the coast , through DC, Charlotte, NC, and Atlanta, before terminating in New Orleans. Highlights of this route include Charlotte and Atlanta’s bustling culture and food scenes and some great smaller cities and towns throughout the southeast like Birmingham, AL, and Greensboro, NC. But beyond connecting you to trains headed further west, New Orleans is undoubtedly the top destination on the trip. The Crescent takes 30 hours in total, allowing you to leave New York mid-afternoon on Friday and be in New Orleans in time for a delicious cajun dinner Saturday night.

The Capitol Limited

cross country rail travel

The Capitol Limited starts the furthest south, in DC. But it takes a northerly route through Pittsburgh and Cleveland to Chicago. This line is a trip through railroad history, following the course of the iconic B&O Line along the Potomac River and into the Allegheny Mountains. At just 18 hours, it’s the speediest of your initial routes.

The Lake Shore Limited

cross country rail travel

The Lake Shore Limited takes an unusual path from New York City, heading north up the Hudson River to Albany, meeting up with train cars from Boston. This allows those looking to start their cross-country trip in Boston to do so, rather than going to New York. The train then heads west to Syracuse and Buffalo before traveling along Lake Erie to Cleveland. You’ll also pass along the south shore of Lake Michigan on your way into Chicago, making this a perfect trip for lovers of the Great Lakes. From New York, the trip runs 19 hours in total,

Additional Notes

The Cardinal and Crescent both run through DC after originating in New York. Therefore, riders boarding in the nation’s capital will have their choice of those in addition to the Capitol Limited, depending on their schedule and route preference. If you’re looking for an all-rail trip, many people on the east coast can make their way to New York or DC via the Northeast Regional, Acela, Silver Service, or other regional services .

From Chicago

You’ll have three direct options from Chicago to reach the west coast – the Empire Builder, the Southwest Chief, and the California Zephyr.

The Empire Builder

cross country rail travel

The Empire Builder takes the northern route through the midwest, stopping in Milwaukee, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Fargo, ND. After crossing the plains, the train route includes four stops in or near Glacier National Park . The Empire Builder has the unique advantage of having two different endpoints. From Spokane, WA, trains will head either to Portland, OR, or Seattle. End to end, this train takes 46 hours.

The Southwest Chief

cross country rail travel

The speedy Southwest Chief cuts a diagonal route across the plains and into its namesake region. After leaving Chicago, you’ll pass through vast expanses of farmland and fields before arriving in Kansas City your first night. By the next morning, you’ve crossed the middle of the country and arrived in northern New Mexico. Following a stop in Albuquerque, you’ll spend the evening running parallel to what was once the storied Route 66. The Southwest Chief makes stops in classic Route 66 towns like Gallup, NM, Winslow and Flagstaff, AZ, and Barstow and San Bernardino, CA. There’s no shortage of beautiful desert scenery, including views Amtrak says can’t be seen any other way. Take note of the stop in Flagstaff, a perfect jumping-off point for a trip to Grand Canyon National Park . The train takes 41 hours to complete its journey to Los Angeles.

The California Zephyr

cross country rail travel

The California Zephyr is the train many consider the best Amtrak long-distance route . You’ll leave behind the suburbs of Chicago as you travel into vast expanses of Illinois and Iowa countryside before crossing the Mississippi River. Some of the most breathtaking scenery on this route (and possibly any Amtrak trip) is located on the Zephyr’s second day, as you weave your way up into the Rockies, through Rocky Mountain National Park and stops for famous ski towns like Aspen and Winter Park, and wind through Glenwood Canyon’s unique landscape. You’ll even get to see some of the beautiful landscapes north of Utah’s Arches National Park as the sun sets. After stops in Salt Lake City, Reno, NV, and Truckee/Lake Tahoe, the train ends in Emeryville, just northeast of San Francisco. This route takes 51 hours from start to finish.

From New Orleans

From New Orleans, you’ll need to grab tickets for the Sunset Limited, the only cross-country train available here.

The Sunset Limited

cross country rail travel

The Sunset Limited is Amtrak’s southernmost route . From the bayous of Louisiana, you’ll pass into Texas, where you’ll enjoy unbelievable views of the southwest desert and the Mexican border. This route also stops in Alpine, the tiny West Texas town that serves as one of the gateways to Big Bend National Park. After skirting through southern New Mexico and Arizona, you’ll climb into the mountains before descending to the final stop in Los Angeles. Start to finish, the Sunset Limited is 48 hours one way.

Alternative Routes

There are two more, less direct options that also offer a path cross-country.

The City Of New Orleans

cross country rail travel

Are you desperate to see the Big Easy and the south as part of your trip but couldn’t accommodate the Crescent in your schedule? You can take The City Of New Orleans down the Mississippi River from Chicago ! With stops in Memphis, TN and Jackson, MS, you’ll get a true taste and view of the region on one of Amtrak’s most famous lines. After all, not many others have songs about them ! From New Orleans, you’ll hop on the Sunset Limited to head to California. This 19-hour trip will definitely extend your cross-country adventure. But it’s a great addition if you have the time and interest.

The Texas Eagle

cross country rail travel

The Texas Eagle carves a path south from Chicago through St. Louis to its namesake state, where it stops in Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio. From there, you’ll hop on the Sunset Limited to complete your trip west. Overall, it takes 65 hours and 20 minutes from Chicago to LA.

3 thoughts on “ The Ultimate Guide to Amtrak Cross-Country Travel ”

  • Pingback: Monday Morning Moment: Near Gilroy, CA - The Road Goes On Forever
  • Pingback: Amtrak Long Distance Service: Finally Back To Normal! - The Road Goes On Forever
  • Pingback: On The Road Again - The Road Goes On Forever

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Grounded Life Travel

8 Best Amtrak Cross Country Train Trips

Allie Marmion

Amtrak cross country train trips are an ideal way to see the beauty of America. During an Amtrak train vacation across the United States you’ll see parts of the country that are inaccessible by car or plane, and you’ll be treated to views that you never imagined. Ranked in order here are the 8 best Amtrak cross country train trips in America.

  • 1 1. California Zephyr
  • 2 Empire Builder
  • 3 Coast Starlight
  • 4 Texas Eagle
  • 5 Southwest Chief
  • 6 Sunset Limited
  • 7 Lake Shore Limited
  • 9 8 Best Amtrak Cross Country Train Trips

1. California Zephyr

8 best amtrak cross country train rides

The California Zephyr has been known to be at the top of many bucket lists. This iconic train ride will take you across the United States and lets you take an intimate look at some it’s most beautiful locations. Some of these sights are only available via train ride. It is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in America.

The California Zephyr starts (or ends) on the east side of the country in Chicago and takes you across the Colorado River valley, the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada, just to name a few of the highlights. This journey is 2,348 miles long but you’ll be too distracted by the views to notice the distance.

Empire Builder

14 Day Vacation Around The USA With Amtrak

The Empire Builder is a hidden gem among the Amtrak cross country train routes. This is the northernmost train route in the United States. It takes you from the east coast in Chicago to the Pacific Northwest. You can choose to end your journey in Portland or Seattle.

The Empire Builder is a surprisingly scenic train ride. You’ll cross the Mississippi River, get a chance to see the edge of Glacier National Park as well as a beautiful view of Puget Sound before arriving into Seattle. Also, don’t miss the incredible views of the Columbia River Gorge. This train route has more packed in than is advertised. You do not want to miss this one.

Coast Starlight

best routes for fall foliage on amtrak

The Coast Starlight is an iconic and nostalgic train ride in the United States. It has been in operation since 1971 and as the name intimates, it runs along the Pacific coastline. You will get some of the most incredible views from a train. Many times on this ride you will feel like you can just reach out and touch the Pacific Ocean.

If you are lucky enough you may catch a glimpse of the elusive Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens if you are on the east side of the train. The scenery is unsurpassed, from dramatic snow covered peaks of the Cascades Range to Mount Shasta. You will also be treated to lush forests and fertile valleys before you approach the long stretches of the Pacific shoreline.

Texas Eagle

The Texas Eagle is the longest Amtrak cross country train route. This classic ride across America will take you deep into the heart of Texas and then takes you down to the southernmost route through New Mexico, Arizona and on to Los Angeles.

This route is more scenic than just desert views. You will run as close as you can get to the border between Mexico and the US. You will also enjoy the picturesque views of the deserts and the ever changing topography of the American West. This train ride is long but it is scenic.

Southwest Chief

If you love the American Southwest or are interested in learning more, then this is the train ride for you. The Southwest Chief will take you from the Midwest to the west in iconic form. This train rides runs nearly parallel to old Route 66. You will ride through some of the most famous towns on Route 66.

The Southwest Chief is a great way to see America as you ride through the 8 states of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona before arriving in California. This is a fun route with lots to see. Prepare yourself for all the different topographies you will encounter from big city views to plains, to deserts and more.

Sunset Limited

The Sunset Limited is the southernmost Amtrak route. There is so much to see on this amazing ride. You start (or finish) in the state of Louisiana in New Orleans. From the bayou it will take you across some beautiful southern states as you travel to the desert of the American West before arriving into the city of Los Angeles.

Some of the highlights of the Sunset Limited include crossing the Mississippi River, the Rio Grande as well as getting up close and personal with the US and Mexico border. You will also enjoy some beautiful views of the deserts in Arizona. The Sunset Limited is a great train route if you are looking to relax and enjoy the American West from the train.

Lake Shore Limited

The Lake Shore Limited made our list of Amtrak cross country routes because of the beautiful views. This train route is not necessarily considered to be cross country. You can choose to start in either New York City or Boston and it runs all the way to Chicago. You can easily go from the Northeast to the Midwest.

If you choose to leave from New York City, as we did, you will be treated to some incredible views of the Hudson River as you leave the city. This beautiful train ride will take you to see parts of New York that most people don’t bother to visit. It will give you a new appreciation for a lovely state. Arrival into Chicago on the Lake Shore Limited is incredible, the views are a must see.

The Crescent is a great route that will give you an incredible experience on the East Coast. This train ride will take you from New York City in the Northeast to the deep South in New Orleans. It passes through the most states at 12, with a few notable cities along the way, including Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, Charlotte, Greenville, Atlanta and Birmingham before arriving in New Orleans.

The California Zephyr, Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, Texas Eagle, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited, Lake Shore Limited and Crescent are all on this list because they have so much to offer. As you can see, each one is unique in it’s own way. It does not matter which one you choose, you will not be disappointed.

Allie Marmion

Allie Marmion

You might also like.

cross country rail travel

Everything We Use In Our Travels

Robert Marmion

Amtrak Vacation Itinerary: 12 Day United States Grand Loop Tour

cross country rail travel

Best Amtrak Trips From Baltimore

Wendy Edwards

Best Amtrak Trips From Miami

cross country rail travel

Best Amtrak Trips From San Antonio

cross country rail travel

Best Amtrak Trips From Dallas

The Retirement Manifesto

Helping People Achieve A Great Retirement

cross country rail travel

The Ultimate Guide To Cross-Country Train Travel

The Readers Have Asked, And So It Shall Be.

At your request in the comments of last week’s What I Learned From A 7,000 Mile Train Journey  (w ow, what a response! ), I’ve written today’s Part 2 of the “Train Adventure” Series, The Ultimate Guide To Cross-Country Train Travel. This post is for those of you who are interested in taking your own train journey or those who are simply curious about the details.  As a bonus, I’ve added  Insider Tips  in each section based on our personal experience.

cross country rail travel

The first thing to decide when thinking about a train trip is where you’d like to go, and whether you’ll be overnight on the train.  By definition, you can only go where the rail lines go.  If you’re in the USA, your only choice for cross-country train travel is Amtrak (short for American Track), so this post will focus on the Amtrak system (apologies to my international readers, but I’m writing this from personal experience which was based in the USA):

cross country rail travel

As you think about various destinations, it’s helpful to click on the Amtrak Route Summary,  which provides a detailed summary of each route and which train stations they’ll stop.

What’s With The Names?

cross country rail travel

** Insider Tip:   To enhance your journey, take time to enjoy some of the beautiful train stations along your route.  Most were built near the turn of the century, and have wonderful photography on their walls showing the station’s history.  Many cities have recognized the value of these magnificent structures, and are investing millions of dollars to restore them to their former glory.  Get off at any station with a depot, and take a quick walk inside to witness the unique architecture and local history.

cross country rail travel

Should I Book A Sleeping Car? What Are They Like?

If you’re going to be overnight for more than 1 night, I’d strongly encourage you to book a sleeper car.  There are two basic types of sleeper cars on Amtrak (take a virtual tour here ), and we tried a few nights in each:

  • Roomette: Pictured above and below.  Two facing seats, folding table between.  Seats fold flat to make the bottom bed, upper bunk folds down from the wall at night.  These rooms are SMALL, but sufficient for two passengers to sleep and have a private seating area throughout their trip.

cross country rail travel

  • Bedroom:  The higher level of sleeper is the Bedroom configuration, which includes a private bath and toilet (public facilities exist for Roomettes down the hall in the same sleeper car, but aren’t private).  Bedrooms cost more, obviously, depending on the route.  It’s really a question of how much a private bath is worth to you.  The seating and sleeping comfort are comparable between the two options.

In addition, Amtrak offers a Bedroom Suite, which is simply two bedrooms with the connecting door opened.  This may be something to consider if you’re traveling with children.  The routes which use the “Superliner” cars also offer a Family Bedroom, which consists of one room with 2 adult berths and 2 smaller children berths.

** Insider Tip:   If you’re going to be on the train overnight, I’d encourage you to seriously consider a sleeper car.  The coach seating is comparable to an airline economy seat (with a bit more room below the rows) and does not “lay flat”.  For one night, the coach may be acceptable, but if you really want the full experience of a long distance train adventure with good sleep, you should consider “paying up” for the sleeper car.  The Roomette is a viable option to get some sleep without incurring the additional expense of the “Bedroom” upgrade with a private bath.  Finally, consider leaving excess carry-on baggage in the rack provided in the lower section of the sleeper car, it frees up valuable space in your room.

Are Meals Included?  What About Tipping?

If you book a sleeper car, 3 meals per day are provided.  The dining car staff will come through the train a few hours before each meal to take reservations.  Make a reservation, and keep your appointed time.  The meals were unrushed, and the food quality was very good.  Service is comparable to a restaurant, with a full-service menu and tableside service.  Non-alcoholic drinks are included, alcoholic drinks are available for a surcharge.

For tipping, we tipped 20% calculated off the menu pricing even though the meals were “Free”.

Each sleeper car has a full-time attendant who turns down your bed at night, sets up your car in the morning, makes coffee (each sleeper car has a central coffee station), and answers any questions you may have.  We’re not sure what’s customary for attendant tips, so we went with $10/day/person (I hope that’s fair and reasonable.  It seems I paid a bit more than this blogger , who only tipped $5/day/person).

cross country rail travel

** Insider Tip:   Regardless of how you’re traveling, pack some snacks.  As a coach passenger, you can eat in the dining car (you’ll pay menu prices).  Everyone also has the option of buying meals or snacks in the “cafe”, which we found adequate but far inferior to the dining car.  We bought some snacks in the cafe along the way, but if we had to do it again we’d pack a few in our carry-on bags for convenience, and to insure we had our favorite snacks available.

Finally, if you’re having a meal in the dining car, don’t miss the Creme Brulee dessert .  It’s to die for (we ate it with almost every lunch and dinner).  It was more of a pudding than what you normally think of for Creme Brulee, but was absolutely fantastic.

Are Flexible “Rail Pass” Tickets Available?

Amtrak does off “Rail Pass” tickets (click here ) which offer on/off flexibility as follows:

cross country rail travel

The Rail Pass covers coach travel only, although upgrades to Busines Class (larger, leather seats) or sleeper cars for an additional surcharge.  While This Guide To Cross-Country Train Travel is based primarily on our experience, I wanted to include the option of purchasing a Rail Pass, since it was specifically requested by a reader.

Can I Make Stops In Cities Along The Way?

We booked “traditional” tickets and scheduled two stops.  In Seattle, we stayed for a week to visit our daughter (the primary objective for our trip).  On the return leg via the Southern Route, we scheduled a stop in New Orleans for a day.  We arrived late in the evening from L.A. and headed to our hotel in the French Quarter.  We stayed the entire next day, a second night in the hotel, and caught an early morning train out to Atlanta.

In addition, we had several “long” layovers in Washington DC and Chicago.  In Washington, our “long” layover got squeezed by a late arrival, so we chose to stay in the lounge area.  In Chicago, we took an Uber down

** Insider Tip:   If your travel allows, plan a few stops along the way.  Our priority was to spend as much time in Seattle visiting our daughter and her husband as possible, so we intentionally minimized our stops along the way.  Were we to do it again, we’d plan a day or two at several more stops (Glacier National Park should be a “must stop”, as the wonderful National Park lodge is only a short walk from the train depot.  This makes sense, given that the rail companies built the original National Park lodges to encourage tourist to ride the trains.)

cross country rail travel

Are The Trains On Time?

Unfortunately, that wasn’t our experience.  Of the 6 routes we rode, only 1 arrived on time.  We were told by fellow passengers that freight trains get priority on most lines (which sounds counter-interactive, until you realize that the rail lines are owned by freight companies), and Amtrak schedules are an educated guess at best.

It was a common occurrence throughout our trip to stop from time to time to “wait” for a passing freight train.  Fortunately, it seems that Amtrak plans several hours between most connecting trains, and we didn’t miss any connections due to delays.

You’ve been warned.  Plan accordingly.

cross country rail travel

** Insider Tip:   Download the Amtrak app for your phone, and use the Track Your Train feature to track your train while you’re underway.  We also found a great online link ( https://asm.transitdocs.com/map ) which lets you zoom in on your train and see how fast you’re going, as well as your train status:

cross country rail travel

What’s It Like While You’re Underway?

cross country rail travel

The top sleeper bunk has a “cargo net” type safety harness which hooks from the edge of the bed to the ceiling to keep you in bed as you sleep.  Use it.  I don’t think you’d get shaken out of bed, but it’s reassuring to know that it’s there “just in case”.  Our attendant warned us on the first night that it would be rougher than we’d expect in the bed, which was helpful.  The first night took some adjustment, but by the second night, we found sleeping with the motion addictive.

** Insider Tip:   If you want some unique photographs (like the one at the top of this post), walk to the very back of the train during your journey.  There’s a window at the rear of the train which allows you to get some artistic shots, complete with rail tracks rolling toward the horizon. Tunnels also provide some unique photo opportunities:

cross country rail travel

Is There WiFi On Board?

A reader specifically asked this question, and it’s a good one.  I was surprised by the lack of WiFi on most trains.  Amtrak claims that most of the Eastern routes have WiFi, but we struggled to ever get it to work on our phones or computers.  We relied exclusively on our cell signals throughout the trip and were surprised to have a signal for the majority of the journey. There were extended sections, however, where no cell signal was available.

** Insider Tip:   Plan on using your phone as a “Hot Spot” if you absolutely must hook your laptop to the internet.  You should also consider downloading some movies before you leave home (we did, but never got around to watching them).  Ideally, you should prepare yourself to enjoy the train as one of the few remaining places in society where you can truly disconnect.  Take advantage of it, and plan on engaging in real conversation as a break from your addiction to the phone.  In hindsight, being disconnected was one of the true pleasures of train travel.

Is It Easy To Book Your Trip?

If Amtrak reads this, here’s some friendly “user advice” – improve your website’s user-friendliness.  We found the site very difficult to use for multi-leg trips and ended up giving up.  That said, their Customer Service folks were good to work with, and provided us with all of the suggested routing and sleeper car options in a clear and helpful manner.  We were able to book our entire trip with one phone call.

** Insider Tip:   Join the Amtrak Guest Rewards Program BEFORE you book your trip.  We didn’t, and had to scramble after the fact to get credit for our trip.  Also, bypass the online system, and call the Amtrak Customer Service folks @ 1-800-USA-RAIL to talk through the options for any trip you’re considering.

How Much Did Our 7,000 Mile Trip Cost?

Ok, the BIG question!!  Let me start by saying train travel is NOT inexpensive.  If you’re looking at the train as a viable option to flying, you’ll be disappointed.  It takes longer and will be more expensive (excluding, perhaps, coach seating), and you’re likely to be delayed en route. The reason for taking a train trip is not for efficient transport.  Rather, it’s the enjoy the experience of slow travel across a beautiful and diverse country. In our case, the cost/benefit analysis justified the trip.

For us, the value was in the experience.  Cross-country via train. Wow, what an experience.  A true “trip of a lifetime”, and worth every penny.  Given that it was a Bucket List item for us, we were willing to pay the price.  In our case, that price was $4,542.

Granted, we went with sleeper cars the entire route (excluding our last “day leg” from New Orleans, where we traveled coach), and splurged for the full Bedroom experience (ah, private bath) on the entire Empire Line from Chicago to Seattle.  We went large, and we loved it.

As a personal finance blogger, I hesitate when I see that number.  However, I have absolutely no regrets, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend train travel to folks who are considering the experience and have the means to afford it.  It’s Time To Live Like No One Else , after all, and we had room in our budget for the trip (we bought the tickets prior to my retirement, and paid for the expense via free cash flow).   Further, when you consider that the cost includes 8 nights of accommodations, and 48 meals (8 Days X 3 Meals Per Day X 2 People), it’s not as outrageous as it may initially seem.

** Insider Tip:    Check the Amtrak Discounts page before booking for current discounts, and consider coach for any portion of your trip which doesn’t include an overnight stay.

Any Other Tips For Us?

As a matter of fact, my wife has one to add.  She chimed in as I was writing this post to remind folks to “bring something warm”.  We were surprised how cool Amtrak keeps their trains and were fortunate to have some warmer items to wear.  Bring along a sweatshirt and/or a blanket, you’ll be glad you have them.

Also, plan on bringing some slip-on shoes.  You can take off your shoes in your sleeper car but must wear shoes whenever you leave your room.  You’ll be coming and going frequently, so it’s easiest to have some comfortable slip-on shoes for your time on the train.

cross country rail travel

A Serious Note On Pedestrian Fatalities

45 Miles from our final destination, our train ground to an urgent stop.  Having spent 8 days on the train, we knew something had gone wrong but had no idea of the severity of the situation.  As the emergency personnel arrived on the scene, we knew it was bad.

Turns out, a pedestrian had trespassed on the tracks, using a small shortcut trail from a neighborhood to a store on the other side of the tracks.  The 26-year-old man had his earbuds in and was walking with his back in the direction of the train.  He never saw it coming.  It turns out, he wasn’t alone.

During our two hour delay awaiting the NTSB investigation, I did a bit of research on my phone. I was shocked to find in this article that pedestrian fatalities are shockingly high, with 888 folks being killed by trains in 2017. Most, as in our situation, were caused by trespassers illegally crossing the tracks.  As sad as this situation is, I don’t think a viable guide to cross-country train travel would be complete without mentioning the reality of this risk.

Take this lesson to heart – never risk it.  Never race a train across a RR crossing in your car, and never use a “shortcut” along the tracks.  His life wasn’t worth it, and neither is yours.

Hopefully, this Ultimate Guide To Cross-Country Train Travel has been helpful if you’re considering an Epic Bucket List Transcontinental Rail Journey.  Based on our experience, it’s a trip I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.  While the fatality was a bit of a downer at the end of the trip, at least it gave me the opportunity to share with you the seriousness of crossing train tracks, and the shocking frequency at which pedestrian accidents occur.

I’d strongly encourage any of you who are considering a trip to pursue it.  It’s an experience like nothing else you’ll ever do, and it’s an amazing way to see the country en route to your destination.  For more on our actual experience, please read my first post in this series titled  What I Learned From A 7,000 Mile Train Journey. 

62 comments

Wow – thanks for putting together such a great resource for others who may be considering riding the rails.

Quick clarification question – was $4,542 the cost per person or for both you and your wife?

Quick Answer: $4,542 was for the two of us (so $2,271 per person, though I suspect a single price would be higher than that if you reserve an entire sleeping room for yourself).

Thanks for the great info. I’m bookmarking it until we are ready to book our trip!

Wow, this is so cool Fritz. This may end up making it on my Impossible List as an item I plan on doing. I wonder if Amtrak uses credit card rewards points?! haha

Uh Oh, The Ultimate Guide To Cross Country Rail Travel may have omitted that detail! To be honest, I’ve no idea if Amtrak uses credit card points…

I’ve got the Amtrak credit card for the primary goal of taking a trip like this one day. If you use it for everyday purchases, you will cut out a HUGE portion of the cost of this trip (and the points are worth more, on a dollar for dollar basis, than airline miles.)

Good to know, thanks for the great addition to the post!

My husband and I use an Amtrak credit card for all our daily purchases and even some monthly bills. We have earned enough reward points to take a yearly trip in a sleeper or bedroom for free. We’re saving points to take our bucket list cross country trip as well.

You must be married to Joe. Wink.

Thanks for all the info. When you’re so accustomed to doing the driving it must feel amazing to sit back, watch the scenery go by, and let someone else take the helm.

I had NO idea about the bedroom/private bath arrangement. When I imagine train travel all I muster up is images of Ethel and Fred each time Lucy pulled the emergency brake, especially when Ethel ended up with pie on her face.

BTW $10/day per person could be high but what the heck. In the scheme of how much you’re spending, it’s little to you and most likely, very meaningful to someone else (and Louie must have been ecstatic!)

It is amazing, indeed. Too funny about the I Love Lucy scene, I remember that! (We’re showing our age, aren’t we!).

Wonderful! We are definitely doing this…thanks for lighting a fire under us…we have been considering for years. My question also is was that price pp?

Happy to light the match, hopefully a resource you can file away until you’re ready for your trip! As for price, that was the total price for the two of us (see above answer to Freedom 40 Plan).

My parents rode Amtrak several times across the country and I wanted to add a couple of things. As they were up in age, they got the handicap sleeper and I believe it was fairly reasonably priced and more spacious, without a need for one person to get to the top bunk. Also, they saw the delays you experienced, but when it caused them to miss a connection they got a voucher for a future trip. It was actually a reason they kept going by train. The observation car is the best spot during the day. I love your tip on the photogenic back window. Thank you for such details. When we get to this item on the bucket list, I’ll definitely reread your post. Awesome trip!

GREAT addition, Susan, about the potential issues of older folks (or “less mobile”) traveling in sleeper cars. It would definitely be a challenge for some folks to climb into that top bunk, great tip for folks to consider the handicap car if they don’t have mountain goat agility). The handicap sleepers are also on the lower level of the sleeper car, so it minimizes the needs to climb the steep steps up to the 2nd level (tho you’ll still need to climb them to move back to the dining car).

Meals can be delivered to your room !

From the above comment, am I to presume that someone in a wheelchair cannot ride these trains?

I think the handicap car is designed for wheelchairs, though you would likely have to have the meals delivered to your room. Check with Amtrak for details.

Great post and tips. I love traveling by train. It’s pretty expensive, but the roomette is worth it. Really neat. Sorry to hear about the high fatality. It’s pretty crazy. You’d think people learn not to loiter on the rail by now.

I was shocked by the high number of fatalities. I wish that fact was more widely publicized, would help minimize the risk so many folks take.

  • Pingback: What I Learned From A 7,000 Mile Train Journey - The Retirement Manifesto

I found this comment on the wapo web site for a story related to this issue of whether Amtrak has priority over freight traffic. Nothing is simple anymore. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/29/getting-there-on-time-who-goes-first-amtrak-or-a-freight-train-a-court-rules/?utm_term=.4e7f20b4b73b

My son-in-law is an engineer on a major Class I railroad. His explanation is that there is a “window of opportunity” for Amtrak trains to pass through without delay. This “window” follows along the track according to the Amtrak schedule. If Amtrak is on time, then everybody is happy. However, if Amtrak falls behind and becomes late for any reason, then the freight trains may have priority. The Amtrak “priority window” closes. Once late, it is very difficult to make up lost time since a variety of freight trains will always be on the tracks ahead of it. In one notable instance, an Amtrak train departed Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal and the engine “died” (broke down) before reaching the outskirts of town. From that moment on, all the freight trains had free roam of the tracks ahead for the rest of the day. All of the above is documented in written contracts between Amtrak and the owners of the tracks. Nothing illegal about it. It is just another business contract. I am surprised the reporter missed describing this arrangement and mislead the readers to think that someone was doing unfair bad things. In some countries, freight trains can only operate at night. In other countries, freight trains operate on a different set of tracks from passenger trains. This is a common problem with a variety of solutions.

GREAT addition to the story, Chris. Thanks for “fact checking” my comments, I was reporting based on what I’d been told on the train. Your comment is clear, and helps shed light on the complexity of rail scheduling dynamics. Thanks for the detailed explanation, much appreciated!

Isn’t there also the possibility that freight trains can break down/end up behind schedule and thus cause Amtrak also to get behind schedule? I was on an Amtrak train trip one time where a freight train derailed and so, instead of leaving at 9:30pm as scheduled (train was beginning there so would be on time), we didn’t get to leave until midnight if we were going beyond the site of the derailment. Plus, we had to take a round-about route instead of the normal one because of the derailment. Other factors can also cause Amtrak trains to be running later than scheduled, such as reduced speeds because of days with hotter than normal temps (which could possibly also affect any freight trains on the same line). This has happened a lot this past summer on several routes. Also issues with signals not working or things like bridges getting stuck open…. Not trying to dispute what you’ve said – just think that it is somewhat of a ‘two-way street’ as to reasons why Amtrak can be running late. In spite of all this, I STILL much prefer train travel to any other form!

Interesting point about “hot rails”, I wasn’t aware of that one. And I agree, I’m sure there are many reasons that cause rail delays, and I’m sure there’s a contractual agreement between Amtrak and the freight companies (rail line owners) on how to handle the most common situations.

Thanks for the great info. My wife and I have always wanted to do a cross country train trip and slow travel.

Couple of questions:

How crowded were the trains? Lots of people pushing and maneuvering or semi ghost town with minimal peeps?

If one was to stay in a city for an extended stay, were there car rental places close by?

How is the sleeper and diner cars for large people or oversized or xxxl ok for fat people? It is difficult for me to sit at a booth with a fixed table is there pull out chairs available? Is the private bathroom the size of a restroom stall? Sorry for the questions and you probably didn’t really notice since you and your wife don’t have that problem but any info from observation is appreciated.

Couple of answers (wink):

– The trains were more crowded than we’d expected, but very manageable. Some routes had higher “capacity utilization” than others, but it was never a problem.

– I suspect most have car rental places nearby. In Seattle, we simply Googled it and chose the closest rental company. We still had to take an Uber over to the rental place, but it was only ~$10.

– For XXXL, there’d definitely be an issue. See the comment from Susan above about the option of using a Handicap sleeper. Great addition to the post. I don’t think there’d be any issues in the dining car, but the sleeper cars are definitely not designed with “large” or “handicapped” folks in mind. There is a need for quite a bit of agility to climb into a “normal” bunk, and they’re small for even averaged sized folks. I’d suggest you talk with Amtrak about the specifics of your situation.

Another great post! Thanks so much for providing this information. A long trip is very high on my bucket list now. In the mean time I plan to test the waters with a shorter trip. I live in Salt Lake City, so maybe a quick trip to Denver or San Francisco for a long weekend. It would be a great surprise for my wife, and the NFL plays in both cities. 🙂

Tailgating parting in the dining car!! Great idea!

Thank you very much for this information!

My family has traveled on Amtrak 4 times (different routes). We booked the family bedroom when the kids were small. It is located on the lower level and spans the width of the train – it sleeps 4 but 2 of them must be short. There is even some floor space for playing. It does not have a private bathroom, but it is close to the public restroom.

Also, I would recommend doing a train trip only in the summer. We traveled once in December and with the early sunset, most of the trip was in the dark.

Thanks much for the info. One additional question, are you required to sit in the sleeper during the day or can you also sit elsewhere on the train other than meals. My wife is social and I think the idea of sitting in a small room with me for days would be a great concern for her. :~).

For her, or for you? Wink. No worries, you can walk all around the train. We sat in the observation car frequently, I also did some work on my blog in the dining car between meals. Plenty of options, your marriage will likely survive your time on the train. Smiles.

Great summary for the train trip, and what a wealth of information! Thanks for putting all of this together! It doesn’t seem too pricey when broken out per person and considering the meals. Would it be difficult for someone that is vegetarian or chicken/fish only sort of restrictive diet to find good options?

Thanks again for putting this together it sounds like a great way to do some slow travel and see a lot of the country.

I would expect that Amtrak would accommodate a restrictive diet, best to check directly with them if you get serious about taking a trip. It is a great option for slow travel.

Menus in the dining car include fish & vegeterian options and are generally available to view online at amtrak.com. Special dietary needs can usually be arranged in advance by calling Amtrak.

Nice one, Fritz – a lot of detailed info in this post. That’s crazy to know how many folks are killed by trains – I would have put the count in my head in the single digits or barely past that!

— Jim

Fritz, my friend, your two posts on riding the train have me all hyped up and I now have made reservations for two of us, both seniors, to travel from Orlando to New Haven, accommodation Bedroom with private bath from Orlando to New York, and coach for the short trip NY to New Haven. Grandson is being awarded a doctorate at Yale in May and want to be there for it. Have been in a Roomette a few times from Orlando to Washington, DC and eager for the Bedroom. In my 33 years in the Air Force I had two troop train rides, one from Biloxi, Ms to Fort Myers, Fl and the other from Oakland, Ca to Great Falls, Mt. Both pulled by coal fired engines and they were dirty. Keep up the good work, Fritz.

Don!! Great to see you on here again, and happy to hear I’ve motivated you to take a train trip to your Grandson’s Doctorate graduation at Yale (Wow, congrats!). Glad to know that you’ve had a roomette before, so you know about the gymnastics required to get in that upper bunk! If there’s any 90+ year-old who could make that climb, I know it could be you! Enjoy the train journey and the graduation, no need to worry about dirty coal on today’s trains! Thanks again for your service, and thanks for stopping by!

Hi Fritz, Thanks for some great information. We need to seriously consider doing something like this. Your quite the motivator. Never made it to Glacier when we were RV’ing, what a great option to do so.. Hey to Jackie and come see us at HHBC when you can.

I think you’d enjoy the trip to Glacier. An easy “test” option to consider from Atlanta: Fly to Chicago, catch the direct train from there. Good point on HHBC, now that we’re retired we’ll need to plan a trip down – hope to see you soon.

Thanks for posting this along with the helpful hints. We looked into it last month and got spooked by the complexity of the booking, options and the sticker shock. You’ve boosted my confidence to have another look at this. The interesting part of the train ride is that it can be done during any season. Fall and late winter might be a picturesque time to ride the rails.

The only caution about winter, as noted in one of the above comments – the shorter hours of daylight would diminish some of the sightseeing. Valid point. I can see how the complexity “spooked” you, we felt the same when viewing the website, so just picked up the phone. It worked well, and I’d encourage you to do the same.

Very impressive!! This was a really great read! Thanks for sharing;

You can pay for trips with Amtrak points. I just paid for two tickets to NYC from DC with points and have done so in the past. You can earn points by train travel and Bank of America has an Amtrak Rewards Travel card (there is an annual fee) but it has some great perks like a free companion fare once a year. You may get one upgrade per year also. The highest reward I have seen is 30,000 points. I think you can use Ultimate Rewards points to buy tickets but you have to call. You cannot do this online on the portal.

I thought Deb was married to Joe, haha (see comments further up in the stream). Great add about the Amtrak Rewards Card, seems a popular option for many folks.

Thank you so much for the article about your cross country train trip. We live in Pittsburgh, PA and have only taken the Pennsylvanian in business class to NYC a few times but a cross country trip is on our bucket list. I retired last December and my wife retires next June so it won’t be before then but you gave some great advice for when our planning time comes around. I noticed you traveled counter-clockwise when looking at the US map. Was that intentional or just convenient for your Seattle stay?

Thanks for stopping by, Bob. There wasn’t really a conscious decision about counter-clockwise, we just knew we wanted to do “the circumference”, and didn’t put much thought into which way we went.

Thanks for getting me motivated to ride the rails again. I agree that it’s wise to check the deals and discounts offfered. They have had some 30% off fares recently so, if your time is flexible, you might luck out.

Great descriptions of cross country train travel. My husband and I have crossed the country 4 times by train plus have traveled up and down both coasts. Just to add a few other fun facts. On the coastal starlight we watched a movie in the theater below the lounge. During the day there were wine and cheese events while traveling through wine country. While traveling through national parks on the California Zephyr experts came on board in the observation car to narrate and explain all the important sites. The southwest chief connects to the Grand Canyon railroad. Our trips have been fantastic and we hope to plan many more.

Wow, I should have talked with you before we booked our trip! A true expert in the house!! We also had an expert on board for our leg down Washington and across the Columbia River. It was a nice addition to the ride. Maybe we’ll see you on the rails someday…

Sorry for the update but the movie car and wine tasting are gone. The Grand Canyon connection is now done at Flagstaff or contact amtrak for up to date info about GC RR.

I’ve travelled extensively on Amtrak in the past. I’ve been on every long distance train except the Sunset limited from San Antonio to New Orleans.

I think your post is excellent. You’ve hit all the major points.

I would add that the upper bunk on the Superliner sleeper cars (double decker cars used mostly in the west) is VERY small. It also takes some agility and the ability to lift yourself.

Also, a roomette is one price and can accommodate two people. So your fare is the room price + the fare for each person. Roomettes and bedrooms include meal service.

Lastly, for the best scenery it is widely acknowledged in the Amtrak fan community that the California Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville, CA (just across the bay from San Francisco) has the best. Specifically going through Glenwood Canyon just west of Denver and Donner Pass west of Reno, NV. I find the vast flatness of Illinois and Iowa to be quite relaxing. Other scenic routes are the Empire Builder (mentioned in the article), the Coast Starlight (California Coast and the Cascades are very picturesque) and the Vermonter during the fall).

BTW, I tipped $5 / person / night.

EVERY long distance train except one. Wow! Good addition to the guide, thanks for taking the time to leave the valuable comment.

While I’ve traveled numerous times out east (from the Detroit area), occasionally with our young granddaughters, my husband and I have not traveled together. We booked a trip in October, 2018 to visit our brand new grandson (not yet born as I pen this!) and his older sister who live in North Dakota. We were able to book a roomette quite unexpectedly when Amtrak offered a buy 1 get 1 free sale on roomettes early this summer! We are certainly looking forward to the trip!!

Thank you for all the great hints!

This is awesome & perfectly timed as I plan my x-country rail ride to DC. I live in Hawaii – no trains – so this is a huge treat for me. Budget-wise I’ll have to do Roomette because round trip Bedroom for one person is double the price at $3,300!!! Yours was so much cheaper for a longer journey & I don’t know why! Seems I should do the northern route for my first trip, scenery wise. Agree?

See Jeff’s comment above about Roomette pricing for one, likely explains the difference between our $4k price for 2 folks vs. your $3k price for 1. The northern route is definitely scenic, sounds like that route one way and the Zephyr the other direction (see Jeff’s note) would make a great round trip. Enjoy your journey!!

Great summary of Amtrak travel. My wife and I have taken the Lakeshore Limited, California Zepher, Empire Builder, City of New Orleans, Sunset Limited, Southwest Chief, and Coast Starlight. Most of these we have ridden multiple times. Our experiences mirror yours. I’ve found that over the years, the sleeper cost has gone up quite a bit, but agree that if you are going to spend more than one night on the train you really want a sleeper. I’m a 2XL kind of guy, and we’ve done both roomettes and bedrooms. Getting around in the roomette at night is challenging for me (easy for my diminutive wife), but doable. Menu variety had declined some over the years. For instance, Amtrak used to have a different menu on east vs. west bound trains, and from route to route. Last few years, we’ve found the same menu on all trains. It can get boring after a week or more on the train.

I have always considered the cost to be somewhat comparable to what I’d spend to fly/drive across the country after accounting for hotel accommodations, restaurants, and other miscellaneous items.

We like the relaxed experience, the opportunity to meet new people over meals, and the view out the window. One thing to note is that since the trains do not stop at night, there are sections of the country that you’ll never see from the train because the train always passes through there after dark.

Again, excellent summary.

Thinking of a 2XL guy negotiating that Roomette brought me a smile this morning, thanks for that. And, for the record, I agree with your comment that “the menu can get boring after a week or more…”.

I have ridden the Empire Builder from Albany, NY to Seattle, WA with a bus to Vancouver and then in reverse. This was my graduation gift to myself after receiving my MSW degree at 52 y/o and thought it would be my “big splurge” during my lifetime. Little did I know that I’d remarry my husband (10 years after we divorced) and heloves trains too. We live near Rochester, NY and our “big trip” was from Rochester to Portland, OR on the Empire Builder, the Coast Starlighter to Emeryville, CA and the California Zephyr back to Chicago & then home on the Lake Shore Ltd. We only got off the train in Portland and Emeryville to stretch our legs between train changes. We always take advantage of the Metroliner Lounges where available as we can wait in comfort with upholstered seats, snacks, beverages, bagage check and early boarding. We’ve flown to San Diego and traveled by train up the coast to LA and taken the Southwest Chief back to Chicago. To visit family in TX, we traveled from Rochester to Chicago to San Antonio & back. Our honeymoon included the Auto Train from Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL with our car. We’ve also traveled from Rochester to Montreal; to Boston; as well as to NYC with connections to Philadelphia one time and to Colonial Williamsburg another time. We usually travel coach from Rochester to Chicago as we board at 11pm and arrive in Chicago at 9:30am so it’s pretty easy to sleep in coach that one night. Especially knowing we’ll have either sleeper or roomettes after that. The meals are excellent, the vista dome cars are amazing and the sleeper and dining car attendants have always been amazing. Our upcoming trip is to Denver so we can visit their Train Museum with a rental car so we can ride the Georgetown Loop Train, the Royal Gorge Train and the Cumbres & Toltec Train (on which my cousin is an engineer!). I guess you can say we’re true railfans!

Wow, true rail fans, indeed! And fascinating story about remarrying your husband 10 years after divorcing. BTW, congrats on the MSW degree at age 52!!

  • Pingback: The 3 Best Rail Vacations For October 2018

Comments are closed.

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Sweepstakes
  • Destinations

The Best Cross-country U.S. Road Trip Itinerary: Northern Route

Here are nine stops you shouldn't miss as you drive across the country — plus what to do and where to eat while you’re there.

cross country rail travel

Ken Stanback / Getty Images

Nothing beats the experience-of-a-lifetime exhilaration of a cross-country road trip. If you're looking to get lost in adventure and pristine natural beauty, string along a coast-to-coast route that connects these nine destinations. We've mapped out the most quintessential places to check out as you venture across the northern half of the U.S. from the Pacific Northwest to the Northeast. The best part? There's no exact science to it, so feel free to begin your journey from whichever coast you prefer and add your own stops. Here are the places you shouldn't miss along the way.

Gautier Houba / Travel + Leisure

Before you depart Seattle, which is known for its skyline featuring the iconic Space Needle, swing by Pike Place Market to pick up a coffee from the Storyville Coffee Company and some fresh pastries from Honest Biscuits or The Crumpet Shop. About a 30-minute drive from downtown Seattle, Snoqualmie Falls is a great place to stop for a brief hike, with exceptional views and a stunning 268-foot waterfall. If you're starting your trip from the East Coast, Seattle will be your final stop, so we'd suggest an overnight stay at Inn at the Market — if only for the views of Pike Place and the tranquil waterfront. Save room for the all-day breakfast at Bacco Cafe , one of the three restaurants at this hotel.

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

A lakefront dining experience is a must for any visit to Coeur d'Alene. Terraza Waterfront Cafe offers Latin American fusion cuisine and its prime location will ensure you enjoy beautiful views of Lake Coeur d'Alene. After thoroughly soaking up your surroundings and checking out the local shops, pay a visit to Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch for a guided tour with friendly alpacas as you escort them to their daytime pasture.

West Glacier, Montana

Known for its lodging as much as its white-water rafting, kayaking, and fly-fishing opportunities, the Great Northern Resort makes a great base for visiting Glacier National Park . Located near the West Glacier entrance, the property offers cozy log cabins, complete with a kitchen and fireplace, and a hotel for visitors seeking more traditional accommodations. As you depart for the park from West Glacier, head toward Going-to-the-Sun Road . Once inside, spend some time taking in views of picturesque Lake McDonald .

Jackson, Wyoming

The natural beauty of America's first national park needs no introduction — colorful hot springs, gushing geysers, and cascading waterfalls are synonymous with Yellowstone. Make time to watch the famed Old Faithful Geyser erupt and visit the brilliantly colored Grand Prismatic Spring (pictured above). As you wander through the park, keep an eye out for roaming wildlife such as bison, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer, and black bears. After exploring all of Yellowstone's natural wonders, spend the night at Spring Creek Ranch back in Jackson.

Rapid City, South Dakota

In South Dakota, the scenic drive through Black Hills National Forest will leave you feeling in complete awe of your natural surroundings. Stay at the Bavarian Inn , about a 40-minute drive from Mount Rushmore National Memorial , one of the most iconic monuments in the U.S. Once you've taken enough photos of the four presidents' impressive 60-foot faces, head into Rapid City for a bite and some local beer at Murphy's Pub & Grill . Continue your journey east through Badlands National Park , home to a surreal landscape featuring otherworldly rock formations and plenty of scenic lookout points, all along a 39-mile loop .

Minneapolis

Johnny Nguyen/Travel + Leisure

Spend some time meandering through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden , which showcases more than 60 pieces, before venturing over the Stone Arch Bridge, a former railroad bridge that crosses the Mississippi River. Stay at Hotel Ivy in downtown Minneapolis for a taste of Midwest-style luxury. Grab dinner at Spoon and Stable for French-inspired cuisine by a James Beard award-winning chef, or dine at Murray's , a classic Minneapolis steakhouse. Afterward, stop by Union Rooftop for cocktails with a skyline view.

Jumping Rocks / Universal Images Group / Getty Images

This vibrant city is home to awe-inspiring skyscrapers, urban beaches along Lake Michigan, and a bustling food scene. After taking time to admire the Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park, make your way to Navy Pier for some sightseeing before boarding an architecture-themed river cruise , arguably one of the best things to do in Chicago . Then, dine at Au Cheval , a diner-style eatery known for its gourmet take on a classic burger. Or head to Cindy's Rooftop , a scenic spot atop the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel featuring seasonal menus and inventive cocktails. Stay at the LondonHouse hotel to enjoy views of the river and the city around you.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Once you arrive in Steel City, check into the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in downtown Pittsburgh, a sophisticated homage to the area's creative scene. If time allows, plan a visit to The Andy Warhol Museum , where you can learn all about the artist's life and work. Point State Park — a National Historic Landmark located at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers — is just a five-minute drive (or a 15-minute walk) from the hotel. As for dining, head to the Original Oyster House , the oldest bar and restaurant in Pittsburgh, open since 1870.

New York City

Congratulations, you made it! Celebratory drinks are in order, and what better place for them than the Daintree Rooftop and Lounge at Hotel Hendricks ? After checking into your swanky Midtown room, complete with stunning views of the Empire State Building, make your way to nearby Bryant Park for a midday stroll. If you're in search of a classic New York bagel, look no further than Ess-a-Bagel , located right around the corner on West 32nd Street. For dinner, indulge in a comforting Italian meal at Max in Tribeca or Via Carota in the West Village.

If you're beginning your cross-country trip from the East Coast, New York City will be your first stop, so be sure to do some classic Big Apple sightseeing. Go for a walk in Central Park, see a Broadway show, or check out the view from the top of the Empire State Building before heading west.

History Enhanced

History Enhanced

How Travel Has Changed From 100 Years Ago

Posted: November 4, 2023 | Last updated: November 11, 2023

These days, it's simple enough to jump on a plane and wing your way to another country, but 100 years ago, travel was vastly different. Back then, there weren't fancy things like check-in desks and boarding passes. It was more or less an honor system.

Ships Were The Cheapest Way to Travel Internationally

Unless you were a millionaire of some sort, ship travel was how most people got anywhere a century ago. And it wasn't a quick journey either. On average, a transatlantic journey would take about 5 to 10 days.

Remember that these times can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances, and modern transatlantic voyages are considerably faster due to advances in technology and ship design. Today, a typical transatlantic cruise can be completed in about a week, and a non-stop flight from Europe to North America takes just a few hours.

<p>Train travel 100 years ago, in the early 1920s, was an essential and popular mode of transportation, especially for long-distance journeys. Some towns sprung up around their train stations.</p>

Planning on Cross-Country Travel? Get On a Train

Train travel 100 years ago, in the early 1920s, was an essential and popular mode of transportation, especially for long-distance journeys. Some towns sprung up around their train stations.

<p>The train usually carried with it a series of cars. There were cars specifically for passenger seating, dining, and even sleeping.</p><p>Train schedules were very well established. Occasionally, there were delays because of maintenance or accidents, but for the most part, they ran on time. Train schedules were also the reason time zones exist today.</p>

Traveling by Train - A Lifestyle

The train usually carried with it a series of cars. There were cars specifically for passenger seating, dining, and even sleeping.

Train schedules were very well established. Occasionally, there were delays because of maintenance or accidents, but for the most part, they ran on time. Train schedules were also the reason time zones exist today.

<p>During Prohibition in the US, the trains were randomly searched in case they might be carrying booze. Since these checks were random, there was no telling if your train would be delayed because of a surprise inspection!</p>

Some Delays Were to Be Expected

During Prohibition in the US, the trains were randomly searched in case they might be carrying booze. Since these checks were random, there was no telling if your train would be delayed because of a surprise inspection!

<p>These days, cars have all the comforts of home, and some that home may not have. It's easy to think that it's always been this good, but that's not strictly the case.</p><p>Automobiles in the early 1920s were still relatively new and not as widespread as they would become in the following decades. Many of these vehicles were quite different from modern cars, with designs often featuring large, exposed engines, open-air cabins, and rudimentary suspension systems.</p>

A Few People Could Afford Automobiles

These days, cars have all the comforts of home, and some that home may not have. It's easy to think that it's always been this good, but that's not strictly the case.

Automobiles in the early 1920s were still relatively new and not as widespread as they would become in the following decades. Many of these vehicles were quite different from modern cars, with designs often featuring large, exposed engines, open-air cabins, and rudimentary suspension systems.

<p>There was no such thing as GPS, so you either had to know where you were going or get a map. Road maps would be massive pieces of paper with the roads drawn in. If you were on the road, you had to figure out where you wanted to go and which turn would get you there.</p>

Getting Lost While on the Road?

There was no such thing as GPS, so you either had to know where you were going or get a map. Road maps would be massive pieces of paper with the roads drawn in. If you were on the road, you had to figure out where you wanted to go and which turn would get you there.

<p>Roads themselves weren't the smooth, well-paved things we drive on today. Outside of the city center, most roads were dirt. And since car suspensions were stiff, you'd feel like you rode a horse to get to where you were going.</p><p>Since you'd usually be driving in off-road conditions, you'd need to repair and maintain your car often. You didn't have a car dealership to take it to for servicing since most of them just sold you the vehicle, and it was up to you to maintain it. That meant doing all the repairs yourself.</p>

Cars Weren't Very Comfortable or Reliable

Roads themselves weren't the smooth, well-paved things we drive on today. Outside of the city center, most roads were dirt. And since car suspensions were stiff, you'd feel like you rode a horse to get to where you were going.

Since you'd usually be driving in off-road conditions, you'd need to repair and maintain your car often. You didn't have a car dealership to take it to for servicing since most of them just sold you the vehicle, and it was up to you to maintain it. That meant doing all the repairs yourself.

<p>Safety wasn't anyone's concern back then, either. "Airbags" didn't have a meaning to 1920s motorists. The car bodies were constructed out of steel and made to be rigid. That was good news for the car if you were in an accident but bad news for you.</p><p>They also weren't very fast either. The average speed of a car a hundred years ago was 40-45 miles per hour (65-70 km/h). Performance cars like those on racetracks were faster, but not by much.</p>

What About Safety?

Safety wasn't anyone's concern back then, either. "Airbags" didn't have a meaning to 1920s motorists. The car bodies were constructed out of steel and made to be rigid. That was good news for the car if you were in an accident but bad news for you.

They also weren't very fast either. The average speed of a car a hundred years ago was 40-45 miles per hour (65-70 km/h). Performance cars like those on racetracks were faster, but not by much.

<p>Cars were called "horseless carriages" because they came after carriages with horses attached to them. In the 1920s, cars had already become fixtures on many urban streets. Out in the countryside, however, people still had horse-drawn carriages.</p><p>Carriages have several drawbacks compared to cars of the day. Their suspension was even worse than the cars in 1920. They were noisy, and you had to take care of the horse or else it'd die, and replacing a horse was expensive.</p>

The Alternative Was the Horse-Drawn Carriage

Cars were called "horseless carriages" because they came after carriages with horses attached to them. In the 1920s, cars had already become fixtures on many urban streets. Out in the countryside, however, people still had horse-drawn carriages.

Carriages have several drawbacks compared to cars of the day. Their suspension was even worse than the cars in 1920. They were noisy, and you had to take care of the horse or else it'd die, and replacing a horse was expensive.

<p>Airplanes were only just becoming an acceptable form of transport. Commercial air travel as we know it today was in its infancy. The Wright Brothers had flown for the first time less than two decades before, so this was new territory for everyone.</p><p>While airplanes were used for military purposes and short-distance mail delivery, passenger air travel was not yet common. There were very few airlines or commercial passenger services. The use of airplanes for travel was primarily for adventurous individuals, air shows, or aviation enthusiasts.</p>

Didn't Anyone Use Airplanes?

Airplanes were only just becoming an acceptable form of transport. Commercial air travel as we know it today was in its infancy. The Wright Brothers had flown for the first time less than two decades before, so this was new territory for everyone.

While airplanes were used for military purposes and short-distance mail delivery, passenger air travel was not yet common. There were very few airlines or commercial passenger services. The use of airplanes for travel was primarily for adventurous individuals, air shows, or aviation enthusiasts.

<p>Airplanes of that era typically had open cockpits, meaning passengers and pilots were exposed to the elements. There were no pressurized cabins or climate control systems like we have today.</p><p>This was the wild west in terms of air travel. There weren't any formal booking systems. You just sort of showed up and paid the pilot, then hopped on board for your flight. It wasn't a comfortable one either. There were no cushioned seats, no pressurized cabins, and the noise of the engines was the only thing you could hear for the entire flight.</p>

A Very Rudimentary Way to Travel

Airplanes of that era typically had open cockpits, meaning passengers and pilots were exposed to the elements. There were no pressurized cabins or climate control systems like we have today.

This was the wild west in terms of air travel. There weren't any formal booking systems. You just sort of showed up and paid the pilot, then hopped on board for your flight. It wasn't a comfortable one either. There were no cushioned seats, no pressurized cabins, and the noise of the engines was the only thing you could hear for the entire flight.

<p>Today, airports are massive structures, sometimes air-conditioned, offering shops and restaurants at every turn. A hundred years ago, airports were more like glorified garages.</p><p>Not that you could really go too far in those days, either. Charles Lindbergh wouldn't make his historic transatlantic flight until 1927. If you were taking a plane in those days, you only went from city to city.</p>

Going From One City to Another

Today, airports are massive structures, sometimes air-conditioned, offering shops and restaurants at every turn. A hundred years ago, airports were more like glorified garages.

Not that you could really go too far in those days, either. Charles Lindbergh wouldn't make his historic transatlantic flight until 1927. If you were taking a plane in those days, you only went from city to city.

<p>Today, we are familiar with Greyhound Buses, which cross state lines and make it easy to go anywhere in the country. In 1920, you were limited to where a bus could take you.</p><p>Buses of the era were often bare, converted trucks or large automobiles with wooden or metal bodies. They lacked modern amenities, such as air conditioning or comfortable seating. Passengers would experience a noisier and more rugged ride compared to current buses.</p>

Taking a Bus Was Still An Option Within City Limits

Today, we are familiar with Greyhound Buses, which cross state lines and make it easy to go anywhere in the country. In 1920, you were limited to where a bus could take you.

Buses of the era were often bare, converted trucks or large automobiles with wooden or metal bodies. They lacked modern amenities, such as air conditioning or comfortable seating. Passengers would experience a noisier and more rugged ride compared to current buses.

<p>Subways were limited to a few cities during the 1920s. Chicago, Boston, and New York City all had subways, but they were significantly different from what you know the subway as today.</p><p>They were still noisy and crowded, and you'd use coins or tokens to pay for your trip. If you needed information on a train, you'd have to go to the information booth and ask them about it. If you were lucky, they'd know and tell you. Sometimes, however, you didn't know.</p>

What About the Subway?

Subways were limited to a few cities during the 1920s. Chicago, Boston, and New York City all had subways, but they were significantly different from what you know the subway as today.

They were still noisy and crowded, and you'd use coins or tokens to pay for your trip. If you needed information on a train, you'd have to go to the information booth and ask them about it. If you were lucky, they'd know and tell you. Sometimes, however, you didn't know.

<p>Convenience wasn't a significant consideration during the Roaring 20s, and subways didn't have things like access ramps. There weren't a lot of things to do at the terminal aside from waiting either. Sometimes, they might even cancel your train because of low demand and tell you to catch another.</p>

Subways - A Real Adventure

Convenience wasn't a significant consideration during the Roaring 20s, and subways didn't have things like access ramps. There weren't a lot of things to do at the terminal aside from waiting either. Sometimes, they might even cancel your train because of low demand and tell you to catch another.

<p>If you had money to splurge on it, the height of luxury and style was to take a dirigible for long-distance travel. They were faster and safer (some argued) than ships. They were far more expensive than other methods of travel.</p><p>Unlike airplanes of the time, dirigibles were quiet, their cabins were luxurious, and they combined the best parts of fast travel with the comforts of home. Some dirigible flights were designed as sightseeing excursions, allowing passengers to see famous landmarks and scenic vistas from the air.</p>

Travel in Comfort and Style in a Dirigible

If you had money to splurge on it, the height of luxury and style was to take a dirigible for long-distance travel. They were faster and safer (some argued) than ships. They were far more expensive than other methods of travel.

Unlike airplanes of the time, dirigibles were quiet, their cabins were luxurious, and they combined the best parts of fast travel with the comforts of home. Some dirigible flights were designed as sightseeing excursions, allowing passengers to see famous landmarks and scenic vistas from the air.

<p>Sadly, dirigibles dropped off in popularity after a few massive disasters. By the time they were suffering from these issues, modern air travel had risen to take their place. They never recovered; now, they're remnants of a past that we can only see in black-and-white photographs.</p>

Dirigibles - a Thing of the Past

Sadly, dirigibles dropped off in popularity after a few massive disasters. By the time they were suffering from these issues, modern air travel had risen to take their place. They never recovered; now, they're remnants of a past that we can only see in black-and-white photographs.

<p>Travel in the past was a completely different matter than it is today. With all our travel documents easily accessible and tickets available online, it's a simple matter to just go somewhere.</p><p>It's a lot easier to make it around the world in 80 days today than it ever was in the 1920s!</p>

Travel Today Is Cheap and Convenient

Travel in the past was a completely different matter than it is today. With all our travel documents easily accessible and tickets available online, it's a simple matter to just go somewhere.

It's a lot easier to make it around the world in 80 days today than it ever was in the 1920s!

More for You

aileen cannon trump gift kirschner

Aileen Cannon Just Gave Donald Trump a 'Gift': Legal Analyst

Confronted That His Rhetoric Echoes Nazis, Trump Repeats Racist Attacks on Immigrants

Confronted That His Rhetoric Echoes Nazis, Trump Repeats Racist Attacks on Immigrants

South African genocide case against Israel at ICJ in the Netherlands

Anger rises over South Africa making millions in US benefits while cozying up to Iran, Russia and Hamas

Top Republican calls for canceling future Biden State of the Union speeches

Top Republican calls for canceling future Biden State of the Union speeches

‘Is this an indecent proposal?’ I invited an out-of-towner for dinner. He said yes — but only if he could stay over and avoid spending $400 on a hotel room.

‘Is this an indecent proposal?’ I invited an out-of-towner for dinner. He said yes — but only if he could stay over and avoid spending $400 on a hotel room.

‘All We Must Do Is Survive Four Years’

‘All We Must Do Is Survive Four Years’

Schiff: Supreme Court delaying Trump immunity case would be ‘terrible decision’

Schiff: Supreme Court delaying Trump immunity case would be ‘terrible decision’

Bezos siblings' Amazon stake now worth over $1B

Jeff Bezos convinced his siblings to invest $10K each in Amazon in its early days and now their stake is worth over $1B — 3 ways to get rich outside of the S&P 500

David Sandler, 77, in Oakland, N.J.

How a cheap, generic drug became a darling of longevity enthusiasts

logo of the social network application TikTok (L) and a US flag (R)

China is finally reaping what it sowed

Former president Donald Trump speaks at an election-night watch party on Super Tuesday at Mar-a Lago on March 5, 2024 in Palm Beach, Florida.

Trump keeps praising dictators like Hitler and Kim Jong Un. Will Republicans ever care?

Blanton's bottles on store shelf

The Hard-To-Find Bourbon That's Somehow Available At Costco

Fani Willis ensured Trump’s jury is ‘tainted’: Jay Town

Fani Willis ensured Trump’s jury is ‘tainted’: Jay Town

How the richest woman in the world—mocked as a ‘miser’ in the press—helped bail out New York City during the panic of 1907

How the richest woman in the world—mocked as a ‘miser’ in the press—helped bail out New York City during the panic of 1907

Mike Tyson sends warning to Jake Paul in fierce training footage.jpg

Mike Tyson sends warning to Jake Paul in fierce training footage

Behind the scenes, Biden has grown angry and anxious about re-election effort

Behind the scenes, Biden has grown angry and anxious about re-election effort

undefined

Fact check: Trump, telling a completely fictional story, falsely claims he released ‘the tape’ of his Zelensky call

Young Sheldon Season 7 Release Date and Everything to Know

Young Sheldon Producers Explain Why Big Bang Theory Spinoff Needed to End

The 11 Rudest Things You Can Do In Someone Else’s House, According To Etiquette Experts

The 11 Rudest Things You Can Do In Someone Else’s House, According To Etiquette Experts

The Republican agenda to install religious chaplains in schools is appalling

The Republican agenda to install religious chaplains in schools is appalling

From buckeyes to huckleberries: What it's like traveling cross-country on Amtrak solo

cross country rail travel

  • Round-trip, Tawney Beans spent 90 hours on the rails and 20 hours in a bus.
  • The journey and its destination had many surprises, such as wild peacocks, beautiful sunsets and a comical train staff.

Would you believe me if I told you I was recently a contestant on "The Amazing Race?"

Well, I wasn’t being filmed…and I didn’t quite go around the world…or meet Phil Keoghan – but it was a once-in-a-lifetime trek with big obstacles and even bigger rewards, some of which were huckleberry flavored.

My destination was Boise, Idaho. Yes, the potato state that sounds like Iowa and Ohio had a baby.

So, what’s in Idaho (besides spuds)?

This trip taught me that there are a great many non-potato-related things in Idaho (we will get to those later), but my main reason for journeying there was to visit my childhood friend Alex. You may recognize that name, since Alex made regular appearances in the Beacon Journal’s Local Flavor series until she joined the Air Force and was stationed across the country.

Not a fan of planes and reluctant to drive 29 hours over three days to get there, especially alone and with anti-Black sundown towns still in existence, I opted to take the train.

It's not that there would be a lot of white people in a certain city or town that concerned me (I've lived in Tallmadge and Stow pretty much my whole life, so that doesn't even cross my mind really), but the purposeful exclusion of people of color in violent or nonviolent ways in a certain city/town that impacted my decision to take the train.  

One way, I spent 45 hours on the rails and 10 hours in a bus. I met people from other countries, like Germany and France, saw the Rocky Mountains and ate steak for dinner every night – all aboard a passenger train in the U.S.

Amtrak costs a pretty penny…sometimes

It’s well known that Europe, Asia and other regions of the world are leaps and bounds above the U.S. in public transportation, especially when it comes to short- and long-distance trains.

But that doesn’t mean trains in the U.S. are not worth looking into as a mode of transportation.

It can sometimes be cheaper to take a train compared to flying or driving. Although this is very dependent on whether you decide to ride in coach versus a room, your car’s gas mileage, how much luggage you have, total distance to travel, when you book the train, etc.

For me, the cost roundtrip was $2,324, but it would have been cheaper had I booked it the maximum 11 months in advance instead of the eight months I did. For those solo explorers looking to travel long distances without the use of planes, I’d say it was worth it.

The art of logistics

My journey started on Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited train, which I hopped aboard at the Cleveland Amtrak station, a building tucked away downtown and comprised of one large waiting room.

After seven hours sitting in coach, I arrived at Chicago’s Union Station and led by my old college roommate, Sarah, embarked on a 5-hour tour of downtown Chicago. We went to Eggy’s Diner , visited The Bean and walked around Millennium Park. All too soon, it was time to head back to the station and start the longest stretch of my railroad journey, a 38-hour ride from Chicago to Spokane, Washington, on Amtrak's Empire Builder.

During this part of my vacation, I stayed in a small 3-foot-6-inch-by-6-foot-6-inch room with two seats that fold out into a bed called a roomette. Technically, it can fit two people since there’s a drop-down top bunk, but it’s really the perfect size for solo travelers (provided you don’t experience claustrophobia).

I booked a roomette on my way to and from my destination, which greatly increased the total cost of my trip. It would have been around $1,000 had I travelled entirely in coach.

The train stopped to pick up passengers every hour or so, but every four to five hours we had fresh air breaks for passengers to exit the train and stretch their legs or smoke (Amtrak has a strict no smoking rule onboard).

The Empire Builder takes its passengers through the Rocky Mountains in Glacier National Park, but other than that, most of what lay outside the train was the fields upon fields of crops forming the backbone of America’s breadbasket.

I arrived at the Spokane train and bus station at 4 a.m., which is not the safest place to be in the early mornings. Luckily for me, Jen Pignolet , the Beacon Journal’s education reporter, was once the breaking news reporter at The Spokesman-Review in Spokane. Ever the resourceful reporter, she arranged a tour of sorts for me with none other than Brian, the city’s fire chief. We went to Denny’s (the only place open at 4 a.m.), Casual Friday Donuts and an overlook to check out the city just after sunrise – certainly beyond what you’d get to experience with a short airport layover.

My bus to Boise left the Spokane train and bus station at 7 a.m. The 10 hours to Boise were uneventful (save a giant bug biting me in line at a gas station Krispy Krunchy Chicken), but it was certainly the most scenic part of the journey.

Idaho is an underrated state if I’ve ever seen one. The rest of the country imagines buildings built from potatoes, but the endless yellow plains of canola and snow-topped mountains reveal a picturesque state. Boise was another trove of wonders, with wild peacocks, surfing, waterfalls and other happenings one would not associate with Idaho, like delicious huckleberry-flavored lemonade.

It did have potato-shaped ice cream and a giant potato airbnb, which were cool.

I took the same route back to Cleveland, but with a 10-hour layover in Spokane (I booked a hotel for that stay) and what became a 30-minute layover in Chicago since our train had a late arrival.

Upsides of traveling the U.S. via train

Getting myself from the East to West Coast was exciting, but it was my experiences aboard the train that made it all worth the price.

Those with rooms have access to the train’s dining car, which serves cooked-to-order breakfast, lunch and dinner (the food is cooked on the lower level of the train and brought to the second story via dumbwaiters). Because space is limited and the picnic-style stables seat four, parties of three or less usually eat with at least one stranger. It’s a prime way to meet individuals from all walks of life.

So, while I could’ve saved time on a plane or taken my chances in a car, neither option would have given me this experience: Laughing with people from all over the U.S. and enjoying a medium rare steak while seeing the plains whisk by through our window.

Though I did have options. Should I have felt a little antisocial I could have ordered from the dining car and had my meal delivered to my room.

Another experience was watching a fiery sunset in the train’s observation car, which provides a view from both sides of the train through domed floor-to-ceiling windows.

Yet another was laughing at the overhead announcers.

“Only you can prevent forest fires and only you can make sure you are aboard this train, and it leaves on time,” they once said before a fresh air break.

“This is the last call for _____. If your stop is ______ and you are not off the train this is going to be a bad day.” They would often warn.

And my personal favorite was said while pulling away from the station in Glenview, Illinois.

“On the right is an ice cream stand that I’ve gone past for 25 years and never had a cone from…but I digress,” the voice overhead said. In case you are wondering, the ice cream stand in question is Glenview Dairy Bar .

And one more was witnessing Sabine and Victoria, a mother and daughter duo from Germany, celebrate visiting their 50 th state. They broke out the red, white and blue cupcakes and boas at 11 p.m. during a fresh air break in Minot, North Dakota, and I was lucky enough to get one of the cupcakes.

There are other upsides of train travel that I didn’t take advantage of, like significantly more free luggage than what's allowed for air travel (I brought one duffel bag), the ability to walk the train (many did this with their infants to soothe them to sleep) or the free alcoholic beverage that comes with dinner each night.

Downsides of traveling the U.S. via train

With that being said, there are certainly some bumps in the road (or in this case tracks) that I either experienced or met people who had.

Amtrak trains are notoriously late and arrive at odd hours at the Cleveland station. The train picking me up from Cleveland was late, as were the ones dropping me off and picking me up in Spokane. The train dropping me off in Chicago on my return journey was also behind schedule, which had me rushing to grab Chick-fil-A inside Union Station before bustling to my next train.

Luckily, many of my delays were less than two hours. At dinner, I met a group from Florida whose train was more than 10 hours late when it dropped them off in Glacier National Park.

To be fair, many of the delays are not completely the fault of Amtrak. Freight railroad companies own the majority of tracks across the nation, so freight trains consistently take priority over passenger trains.

Once you get aboard, you may also find that not all seats are created equal. The train I was on from Cleveland to Chicago was beyond bumpy, though it’s unclear whether that was because the train car was an older model, single story or both. I was in two-story train cars for the rest of my trip and the ride was smooth.

Lastly, if your train is on time and the journey level, you may find yourself with a layover at an unsafe, uncovered or unstaffed station in the middle of the night, as not all stations have a shelter or staff. So, it’s important to research stations ahead of time when you have a layover.

My takeaways

Prior to and during my journey I had people, from an Apple customer service provider to my hairdresser, say, “I’ve always wanted to do something like that, but never have.” I had an even greater number of people provide skeptical comments about my ability to even complete the trip, “That’s just so long.” “Won’t you get motion sick?” “Is that safe?” “How are you going to eat?”

I always answered the questions and concerns with logical answers, but in reality, I was going to see my friend – motion sickness and hot meals be damned. From the early planning stages to the end of my journey, “I Am Woman” by Helen Reddy was on full volume in the back of my mind.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to meet people from all over, eat good food and see an old friend in her new home. Would I ride Amtrak again? Well, I’ve built up quite the collection of rewards points after my journey, so I’d have to say yes. Maybe I’ll take it to New York City, or hop on the auto train, which allows passengers to load their car as well as luggage, down to Florida.

Or maybe I’ll get over my fear of flying and finally make that trip to Japan I’ve always dreamed of. Then I can see what their trains have to offer.

I could also take a cruise through Greece. I’ve never spent much time at sea, but there’s a first time for everything, and I so want to see the Parthenon.

No matter the path, I’m sure Helen will be with me all the way. I know that if I have to, I really can do anything, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.

Contact Beacon Journal reporter Tawney Beans at [email protected] and on Twitter @TawneyBeans.

Small Group Uzbekistan Tours 2024-2025

Smolensk, Russia

Smolensk, Russia

Understand [ edit ]

Smolensk is one of the oldest cities in Russia. The city has been taken over by different countries more times than any other city in Russia, so has its own cultural background. Therefore there are many monuments from different epochs: huge Kremlin, many buildings dated back to the 18th to 19th centuries. There are also 3 churches that were built before the Tatar-Mongol invasion, which is rare. Due to many wars some of these buildings have been destroyed. The city leaves different feelings, but it is hard to leave the city feeling indifferent.

History [ edit ]

The first recorded mention of the city is in 863 AD. It was the capital of Slavic Krivichs tribe in the ninth century. Smolensk is a city with great history. Since the XII century it was a capital of the princedom, but since 1522 it became a city of the Moscow kingdom. In 1596 the great fortress was built to protect people. Now this fortress is the most interesting sight of the city. It's bigger than Moscow's fortress (the Kremlin). The length of its walls is about 6.5 km.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Although there are two airports, they are used by military only and civil planes are not accepted. There are discussions to revert them to civil airports, but the projects are still on hold.

By train [ edit ]

cross country rail travel

From Moscow several trains from Belorusskiy train station reach Smolensk in 5-6 hours. Some of them reach into Europe as far as to Paris and Nice (in summer only). The same trains can be used to reach Smolensk from Belarus . Daily express connects Smolensk with Bryansk . Railway Station Inquiry Office: 27-15-20, 39-52-85

By bus [ edit ]

Several times a week there are buses connecting Smolensk with European towns, such as Berlin , Warsaw , Madrid , Riga and some others, the timetable is subject to change, though. Other buses run to Mogilev , Kaluga , Velikiye Luki , Kursk and Tver . Daily buses run to Mstislavl , Belgorod , Bryansk , Moscow , Oryol , Saint Petersburg and Tula . Bus Station Inquiry Office: 27-09-52

By car and by thumb [ edit ]

Smolensk is situated on the M1/E30 and A141 highways. Both are good for hitchhiking as well, though note, that M1 is about 6km from the town.

See [ edit ]

cross country rail travel

Mid-range [ edit ]

Splurge [ edit ], connect [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

cross country rail travel

  • Has custom banner
  • Has map markers
  • Listing with Wikipedia link but not Wikidata link
  • Has Geo parameter
  • Smolensk Oblast
  • All destination articles
  • Outline cities
  • Outline articles
  • City articles
  • Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Smolensk Travel Guide

About Smolensk

Introduction

For lovers of wildlife, Smolensk is the perfect holiday destination. The city attracts visitors with its parks, reserves and lakes. Breathe in the cleanest forest air and explore the interesting corners of the Smolensk Lake District national park whose virgin nature is still preserved. Smolensk is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Russia. You’ll fall in love with it as soon as you walk along its shady green streets and see the beauty of its ancient architecture. Today, the glorious past and architectural monuments of olden times fit harmoniously into the ensemble of modern buildings.

Historical Overview

The history of the city goes back to the 9th century. Travellers who saw Smolensk in the second half of the 16th century note that the fortress protecting the city was built of oak and protected by deep moats. In 1593, one of the foreigners who visited Smolensk called it the most famous border town and noted that its walls were very high. The country saw an influx of masons, bricklayers and even potters who poured into Smolensk. The fortress became the largest one around. The city was turned into a gigantic, unprecedented building site, and lots of people came from all around to work here. In 1602, the construction of the fortress was completed. On 13 September 1609, seven years after the construction of the fortress was completed, Polish King Sigismund III approached Smolensk with a huge army and attacked it. The defenders of the city resisted the onslaught of this well-equipped army for more than 20 months. In the summer of 1708, the troops of Swedish King Charles XII approached the southern borders of Smolensk’s lands, and it was through Smolensk that he threatened to march to Moscow. But Peter I arrived in the city, and great efforts were taken to repair the fortress and confront the enemy before they reached the city. In 1812, when Napoleon outstripped the second Russian army, it was decided to unite near Smolensk. In the summer of 1812, the Russian armies led by Barclay de Tolly and Bagration united on Smolensk’s lands. This destroyed Napoleon’s strategic plan to break them apart. The French soldiers wanted to enter the city on the emperor’s birthday, 4 August, and a fierce battle took place. The city was attacked with hundreds of shells and grenades from 250 guns and thousands of bullets. The French almost captured the gates, but the Russians ran outside the wall and drove the French out of the serf ditch. Many townspeople took part in the battle, helping the soldiers and taking the wounded to the city. Women brought water to the weary soldiers. The French attacked the city again and again, but every time without success. Then Napoleon ordered his troops to burn the city with bombs, and Smolensk was in flames. On the morning of 6 August, the French entered Smolensk and found it empty. Napoleon drove on into the Nikolsky Gates. After four days, Napoleon’s troops continued on to Moscow. But two Russian armies united and defeated Napoleon on Borodino Field. During the Second World War, Smolensk survived difficult times. On the night of 29 July 1941, Smolensk was bombed. In September, German troops occupied the Smolensk region. When the city was under temporary occupation, its remaining population continued to struggle with the enemy. Throughout the country’s history, Smolensk was considered to be the key to Moscow. All invaders, including the Poles,Napoleon and the fascists, inevitably had to first conquer Smolensk, and only then move on to Moscow.

The inhabitants of Smolensk fought bravely, and the enemy always suffered heavy losses beneath the city’s defences.

Where to Stay

Located on the Dnieper, on the road from Moscow to Belarus, Smolensk is an important transportation hub. You can stay in one of the hotels located in Zadneprovsky, Industrial and Leninsky districts. All of them have good guest reviews, and visitors are offered various types of rooms, swimming pools and saunas, as well as a variety of cuisine in the hotel restaurants. You can also book all kinds of apartments, mini-hotels or budget hostels. Have a look at Guberniya Hotel, Respect Hotel or City Apart Hotel.

Bars and Restaurants

To try local specialities, visit Tirol, which looks like your granny’s house with its old wallpaper and porcelain animals. They offer an inviting menu with hearty main dishes and creamy soups. The other charming restaurants with Russian cuisine are Temnitsa and Russky Dvor. To try traditional sweet pies and tea, visit Samovar.

What to See

  • Smolensk Fortress was built from 1595 till 1602 during the reign of Fyodor Ioannovich and Boris Godunov. The architect Fyodor Kon worked his magic to create what was by the standards of that time an impregnable defensive structure. Its length is 6.5 km, the width of the walls is about six metres, their height from 13 to 19 metres. In addition, the Smolensk fortress was also very beautiful. For example, its loopholes are decorated with platbands following the example of windows of apartment buildings.
  • Smolensky Cathedral survived the two Patriotic Wars – the armies of Napoleon and Hitler did not touch the building. Moreover, the Germans guarded the cathedral so that nothing happened to it. The present cathedral stands on the spot where previously stood an ancient temple for the wonderworking icon from Constantinople and the Catholic church. Its final form of Holy Assumption was acquired during the reign of Catherine II.
  • From the Smolensk embankment, you can enjoy wonderful views of the Nizhne-Nikolsky temple complex, the Holy Assumption Cathedral, and the Orthodox Church of Peter and Paul located on the other shore.
  • Blonje Park appeared in Smolensk in 1830 on the site of the former parade ground in the centre of the city. Visitors especially like the colourful lights and musical fountain.
  • Bolshaya Sovetskaya Street in Smolensk is definitely one of the most beautiful and important places for tourists and residents of the city. It stretches from the Dnieper to the south of the city. Here, you can see elegant mansions dating from the 19th century.
  • In the Historical Museum, you will find unique weapons, frescoes from city temples, European denarii, ancient jewellery and other interesting items. Here, visitors can learn more about the peculiarities of the life of its citizens, see part of an 800-year-old house and 3D models of Smolensk churches.

The city’s public transport includes trolleybuses, buses, trams and a fixed-route taxi. According to the timetable, urban transport runs until 11 p.m. The most accessible type of public transport is a fixed-route taxi. The waiting time is from 5 to 10 minutes. In the evening, this time increases to 15-20 minutes. In Smolensk, there are three tram routes that go to the city centre and the railway station. Three trolleybus routes cover only part of the city. The most comfortable way to travel around the city is by taxi. The city has many taxi services, and you can use these services in any part of Smolensk.

Russian cities and regions guide main page

  • Visit Our Blog about Russia to know more about Russian sights, history
  • Check out our Russian cities and regions guides
  • Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to better understand Russia
  • Info about getting Russian visa , the main airports , how to rent an apartment
  • Our Expert answers your questions about Russia, some tips about sending flowers

Russia panorama

Russian regions

  • Belgorod oblast
  • Bryansk oblast
  • Ivanovo oblast
  • Kaluga oblast
  • Kostroma oblast
  • Kursk oblast
  • Lipetsk oblast
  • Moskovskaya oblast
  • Orlovskaya oblast
  • Ryazan oblast
  • Smolensk oblast
  • Tambov oblast
  • Tula oblast
  • Tver oblast
  • Vladimir oblast
  • Voronezh oblast
  • Yaroslavl oblast
  • Map of Russia
  • All cities and regions
  • Blog about Russia
  • News from Russia
  • How to get a visa
  • Flights to Russia
  • Russian hotels
  • Renting apartments
  • Russian currency
  • FIFA World Cup 2018
  • Submit an article
  • Flowers to Russia
  • Ask our Expert

Smolensk city, Russia

The capital city of Smolensk oblast .

Smolensk - Overview

Smolensk is a city located in the very west of Russia; the administrative, industrial and cultural center of Smolensk Oblast. It is one of the oldest cities in Russia, first mentioned in the chronicle in the year of 862.

The population of Smolensk is about 317,200 (2022), the area - 166 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 4812, the postal codes - 214000-214533.

Smolensk city flag

Smolensk city coat of arms.

Smolensk city coat of arms

Smolensk city map, Russia

Smolensk city latest news and posts from our blog:.

28 June, 2020 / Color Photos of Smolensk in 1912 .

25 March, 2017 / Historical and Architectural Complex "Teremok" .

25 January, 2017 / Walk through the streets of Smolensk in winter .

2 July, 2015 / Summer landscapes of Smolensk region .

28 June, 2015 / St. John the Baptist Convent in Vyazma .

More posts..

History of Smolensk

Early history of smolensk.

The exact date of the foundation of Smolensk is not known. In “The Tale of Bygone Years”, a history of the Kievan Rus from about 850 to 1110, Smolensk was first mentioned as the center of the tribal union of the Krivichi under the year 862. In 882, it became part of the Kievan Rus.

In 1127, the Kiev prince Mstislav the Great gave Smolensk under the control of his son Rostislav Mstislavich. After the death of his father, Rostislav became a virtually independent prince and reigned in Smolensk until 1160, when he took the Kiev throne. Thus, the foundation of the independent Smolensk Principality was laid. On the eve of the Mongol invasion, it was one of the most powerful Russian principalities.

The time before the Mongol invasion was the heyday of Smolensk. It occupied an area of 115 hectares, on which there were about 8 thousand houses with a population of about 40 thousand people. In terms of the number of stone churches erected at the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries, Smolensk surpassed any other town in Rus. In 1229-1230, up to 32 thousand people died from the plague in Smolensk.

During the Mongol invasion, Smolensk was not damaged, but a lot of areas of the principality were devastated and Smolensk lost its significance. Its dependence on the Grand Duchy of Lithuania began to grow. In 1387, a plague took the lives of almost all the residents of Smolensk. For some time Smolensk remained deserted.

More Historical Facts…

Smolensk in the 15th - 19th centuries

For most of the 15th century, Smolensk was under the control of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. During the Russian-Lithuanian War of 1500-1503, the Russian army unsuccessfully besieged Smolensk in 1502. In 1508, Smolensk became the center of the Smolensk Voivodeship of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In the summer of 1514, after the third siege in a row, Russian troops were able to capture Smolensk. It became the most important fortress on the western border of the Russian state.

In 1609, taking advantage of the weakening of the Russian state during the Time of Troubles, the army of Sigismund III Vasa, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, began a siege of Smolensk. The siege lasted 20 months and eventually Smolensk was captured and became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

This long defense of Smolensk played a decisive role on further events, since Sigismund, who spent all his money on it, was forced to disband his army instead of leading it further to Moscow. Thanks to this, the Moscow garrison of the Poles, which did not receive serious support, was subsequently forced to capitulate to the Russian militia.

In 1613-1617, an attempt to recapture Smolensk ended in vain for the Russian troops. In 1634, during the Smolensk War, the Russian army again laid siege to the town, but the appearance of an army under the command of King Ladislaus IV led to the fact that the Russian army itself was under siege and surrendered. In 1654, the Russian army approached Smolensk again. As a result, it was finally annexed to the Russian state. In 1708, it became the center of the Smolensk Governorate.

In 1811, the population of Smolensk was about 12,400 people. In August 1812, during the French invasion of Russia, the Smolensk Battle between the Russian army and the army of Napoleon took place near the walls of Smolensk, during which both sides lost more than 20 thousand people. The Russians retreated, and Napoleon captured the burning town. The restoration of Smolensk proceeded slowly. A new impetus to its development was given by the construction of the railways Riga - Orel (1868), Moscow - Brest-Litovsk (1870), as well as the Ryazan-Ural railway (1899).

According to the First General Census of the Russian Empire of 1897, 37,305 people called Russian as their native language in Smolensk (79.9% of the total population of the city), Jewish - 4,154 (8.9%), Polish - 3,012 (6.4%), Ukrainian - 979 (2.1%), German - 460, Belarusian - 323, Tatar - 185.

Smolensk in the 20th century and beyond

In 1900, there were more than 56 thousand residents in Smolensk; 10 squares, 139 streets, 3,261 buildings (633 stone buildings), 32 Orthodox churches, 1 Catholic and 1 Lutheran churches, 2 synagogues, and 3 monasteries. In 1912, the city celebrated the 100th anniversary of the war against Napoleon: a number of monuments to that war appeared in Smolensk, including the Alley of Heroes with busts of commanders.

In April 1918, in connection with the occupation of the Belarusian lands by German troops during the First World War, secured by the Brest Peace, the Smolensk Governorate became part of Zapadnaya (Western) Oblast, its administrative center was moved from Minsk to Smolensk.

On January 1, 1919, on its basis, the Socialist Soviet Republic of Belarus was formed. On January 7, the SSRB government moved from Smolensk to Minsk. On January 16, 1919, the Smolensk region was transferred to the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. In 1929, the Smolensk Governorate was abolished and Zapadnaya Oblast was formed with the center in Smolensk. In 1939, the population of Smolensk was 156,884 people.

In the spring of 1940, about 18 km from Smolensk, the Katyn massacre was carried out - a war crime, the massacres of Polish citizens, mostly captured officers of the Polish army. The executions were carried out by decision of the NKVD of the USSR in accordance with the decree of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party of Bolsheviks. A total of 21,857 people were shot.

From July 10 to September 10, 1941, during the Second World War, the Battle of Smolensk took place, which significantly delayed the advance of German troops to Moscow. On July 16, 1941, Smolensk was occupied by German troops. It was liberated from German occupation on September 25, 1943. More than 90% of buildings in the city were destroyed. In 1945, Smolensk was included in the list of 15 Russian cities subject to priority restoration.

On July 30, 1952, an expedition of the Moscow University under the leadership of D.A. Avdusin during excavations on Sobolev Street found the first birch bark letter in Smolensk. In the post-war years, especially in the 1960s and 1970s, a lot of industrial production facilities, educational institutions, healthcare and power engineering facilities were put into operation in Smolensk. On May 6, 1985, Smolensk was awarded the title of Hero City. In 1989, the population of the city was 341,483 people.

On April 10, 2010, while landing at Smolensk-Severny Airport, one of the largest disasters in the history of world aviation occurred, in which the political leaders of Poland, famous public and religious figures were killed (88 passengers and 8 crew members including the President of Poland Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria Kaczynska).

In September 2013, Smolensk celebrated its 1150th anniversary.

Smolensk views

Architecture of Smolensk

Architecture of Smolensk

Author: Andrey Dmitriev

Part of the Smolensk Fortress Wall

Part of the Smolensk Fortress Wall

Author: Kiyanovsky Dmitry

Novodevichy Convent in Smolensk

Novodevichy Convent in Smolensk

Author: Jan Erik Forss

Smolensk - Features

There are several versions of the origin of the name of Smolensk. According to one of them, it goes back to the name of the Smolnya River. Another version mentions the famous trade route “from the Varangians to the Greeks.” Residents of the town were engaged in the production of resin (“smola” in Russian) used to give boats greater strength. The pine forests in the immediate vicinity of the town favored the construction of boats and the production of resin.

The origin of the coat of arms of Smolensk is not known for certain. It was first mentioned in 1664. On the silver shield you can see the Gamayun bird (a prophetic bird of Russian folklore) on a black cannon with a golden gun carriage. The cannon symbolizes the city’s rich military history, its crucial border position. The bird of paradise Gamayun is a symbol of happiness and striving for it, peace, and rebirth after wars.

Smolensk is located about 400 km west of Moscow, in the upper reaches of the Dnieper River. The city has an advantageous geographical position on the routes from Moscow to Belarus, the Baltic states, countries of Central and Western Europe. It stretches 25 km from west to east and 15 km from north to south.

In the history of Russia, Smolensk is known as the “city-shield”, “shield of Russia” and “city-key”. For many centuries, it served as a reliable defense of Moscow protecting it from attacks coming from the western borders of the country. The City Day of Smolensk is celebrated on September 25 - in memory of the liberation of the city from the Germans on September 25, 1943.

The climate in Smolensk is moderately continental, softened by the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. Smolensk has cool, mostly rainy summers and rather prolonged moderately cold winters. The average temperature in July is plus 17.8 degrees Celsius, in January - minus 6.2 degrees Celsius.

Smolensk is a major transport hub of western Russia. The main cargo and passenger flows from the countries of Western Europe, the Baltic States, and Belarus pass through it. The city has a developed rail and highway connection with Moscow and St. Petersburg. Trains run through Smolensk to Minsk, Brest, Vilnius, Kaliningrad, Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Paris, Nice.

There is no navigation on the Dnieper River. There are also no civil flights to Smolensk. The city’s public transport is represented by three most common types of land transport - buses, trolleybuses and trams.

Favorable geographical position at the intersection of transport routes connecting Moscow and Western Europe, proximity to large industrial centers of Russia and to the European sector of the world market are the main competitive advantages of Smolensk. The border position of the Smolensk region predetermines the possibility of intensifying cross-border cooperation.

Main Attractions of Smolensk

Smolensk Fortress Wall (1595-1602). The Smolensk fortress was of great defensive importance in the Russian state. Most of it was destroyed by the retreating troops of Emperor Napoleon I on November 17, 1812, during the French invasion of Russia. Only 18 towers and about 3.5 km of wall fragments have survived to this day and have the status of an architectural monument. Barklaya-De-Tolli Street, 7.

Assumption Cathedral - a magnificent cathedral located in the central part of Smolensk on Sobornaya (Cathedral) Hill. It was built at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries in memory of the heroic defense of Smolensk in 1609-1611, on the site of the 12th century cathedral of the same name.

During the wars of 1812 and 1914-1945, the building was not damaged. The iconostasis and decoration in the Kiev baroque style have been preserved inside. The observation deck located here offers beautiful views of Smolensk and the Assumption Cathedral itself. Sobornyy Dvor Street, 5.

Bolshaya Sovetskaya Street - one of the most beautiful streets in Smolensk stretching from the bank of the Dnieper River through the historic center of Smolensk, past Sobornaya Hill with the Assumption Cathedral. On this street, wealthy townspeople built their mansions and tenement houses during the times of the Russian Empire.

Today, almost every house that has been preserved on Bolshaya Sovetskaya Street is an architectural “gem” worthy of special attention. Most of the residential and office buildings facing the main street are recognized as monuments of architecture and history. Some of the buildings destroyed during the Second World War have been carefully restored to their original form using photographs and archival documents.

Deer Sculpture in Blon’ye Garden . In 1909, in the vicinity of his hunting lodge in Rominten Forest, Kaiser Wilhelm II, the last German Emperor, shot a deer with unusually gorgeous antlers. The emperor liked this hunting trophy so much that he decided to immortalize it in bronze. For this, the then famous sculptor-animalist Richard Frize was invited. In 1910, a sculpture was installed on a pedestal near the chapel of St. Hubert. The resulting bronze deer turned out to be about one and a half times larger than the original animal.

In 1944, the sculpture disappeared. One year later, it was discovered by the Red Army at the country house of Hermann Goering. After the war, this bronze deer was transported to Smolensk. In 1945, on the side of the trophy, one could still read the white ink inscription: “A gift from East Prussia to the children of Smolensk.” The sculpture was installed in the playground in Blon’ye Garden, a park in the city center. Glinki Street, 1.

Monument “Grateful Russia to the Heroes of 1812” - one of the most famous monuments in Smolensk erected in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Patriotic War of 1812 (the French invasion of Russia). It is made in the form of a rock about 10 meters high, on top of which two eagles protect their nest from the Gaul armed with a sword. The sculpture stands in the Heroes’ Memorial Park near the fortress wall. Dzerzhinskogo Street, 6.

Smolensk Art Gallery . This museum is located in the building, which is a monument of civil architecture of the 19th century. It displays collections of Russian and Western European art: paintings by Repin, Aivazovsky, Levitan, Benoit, Falk, Roerich, and other masters, as well as sculptures. There is also an extensive exposition of the Soviet period. Temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists are held here as well. Kommunisticheskaya Street, 4.

Historical Museum of Smolensk . The exhibitions of this museum are about the history of the Smolensk region from the Stone Age to the New Age. Here you can see ancient tools, medieval armor, weapons, coins, jewelry, household items, and much more. Lenina Street, 8.

Museum “Smolensk - the Shield of Russia” . It is open in Gromovaya (Thunder) Tower of the Smolensk fortress wall. The main part of the exhibition is devoted to the city’s military history. In 2002, an exhibition devoted to the construction of defensive structures was added. On the third tier of the tower there is a thematic exhibition “Soldier of 1812” consisting of outfits and weapons of the Russian and French armies of that time. Oktyabrskoy Revolyutsii Street, 3.

Attractions of Smolensk

Smolensk Railway Station

Smolensk Railway Station

Author: Kirill Afonin

Another preserved part of the Smolensk Fortress Wall

Another preserved part of the Smolensk Fortress Wall

Author: Olga Pozdina

Monument to Lenin in Smolensk

Monument to Lenin in Smolensk

Author: Kudinov D.M.

Museum “Smolensk Flax” . The history of the development of flax growing in the Smolensk region is presented in detail here (arable tools, tools for the cultivation and processing of flax, spinning wheels, Smolensk costumes with belts and headdresses). A separate part of the exposition is devoted to household items traditionally present in the Russian hut. The museum is located in Nikolskaya Tower of the Smolensk fortress wall. Marshala Zhukova Street, 6.

Sergey Konenkov Sculpture Museum . This famous Russian and Soviet sculptor born in the Smolensk region was often called “the Russian Rodin”. The museum was created on the initiative of the sculptor, who wished to exhibit most of his works in Smolensk. The collection is housed in a picturesque 19th century mansion in the city center. The exposition consists of 80 works on religious, revolutionary and everyday topics. Mayakovskogo Street, 7.

Museum “Smolensk Oblast during the Second World War” - one of the most visited museums in Smolensk located in the building of the former school “In Memory of 1812”. This two-story building in the neo-Russian style was erected in 1912, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Patriotic War of 1812. It is stylized as fortress towers - with battlements and loopholes.

The exposition includes items and documents showing the role of Smolensk in the history of the war. The collection of military artifacts contains valuable archival documents and photographs, weapons and military uniforms, banners and awards, soldier’s household items and trophies from Germany. Wartime military equipment is on display in front of the museum. Dzerzhinskogo Street, 4A.

Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul (1146) - one of the three preserved monuments of pre-Mongol architecture in Smolensk located near the building of the railway station. The ascetic design of this building corresponds to the canons of church building adopted in Rus before the Mongol invasion. Kashena Street, 20. The Church of Archangel Michael (1191-1194), another well-preserved pre-Mongol church, is also noteworthy. Parkovaya Street, 2A.

Lopatinsky Garden - one of the oldest parks in Smolensk. The park was laid out by order of the governor Alexander Lopatin in 1874. Today, there are a lot of interesting things in the park: a pond and an embankment, a corner for lovers, an alley of peace, a section of the fortress wall with towers, art benches decorated with various figured lanterns, models of Smolensk architectural monuments, and much more. Lenina Street, 2A.

Historical and Architectural Complex “Teremok” in Flenovo . It is located southeast of Smolensk in the former estate of the Tenishev princes - collectors and patrons of art, who played an important role in the cultural life of Smolensk and Russia.

At the turn of the 19th - 20th centuries, Maria Tenisheva created an art center here, which later became known not only in Russia, but also in Europe. Tourists are invited on excursions to places visited by famous painters and musicians. The artists I. Repin and M. Vrubel worked here. It was visited by F. Chaliapin and I. Stravinsky. Above the portal of the church there is a mosaic made by Nicholas Roerich.

Memorial Complex “Katyn” - an international memorial to the victims of political repression located in the Katyn forest to the west of Smolensk. On the territory of the memorial there is a military cemetery, where 4,415 Polish prisoners of war are buried (mostly officers). Prisoners of the Kozelsk concentration camp, they were shot by officers of the NKVD of the USSR in the spring of 1940. Other burials include about 6.5 thousand victims of Stalinist repression of the 1930s and 500 Soviet prisoners of war executed by the German occupation forces in 1943.

Smolensk city of Russia photos

Churches of smolensk.

Neo-Gothic Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Smolensk

Neo-Gothic Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Smolensk

Church of St. George the Victorious (1810) in Smolensk

Church of St. George the Victorious (1810) in Smolensk

Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Smolensk

Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Smolensk

Author: Inna Zyuganova

Winter in Smolensk

Holy Trinity Convent and the Assumption Cathedral in Smolensk

Holy Trinity Convent and the Assumption Cathedral in Smolensk

The comments of our visitors

My great grandfather was born in 1860 in Smolensk or very near it. He left at 17 and ended up in South America after living in Misk and in Warsaw. I live in the U.S. I am 70 but I am very curious and interested to see where he came from.

I would love to visit Smolensk in the near future. I love the Photos I have seen.I am very much interested in Russian history and its culture. My knowledge of the language is very limited. I love your country and your history, I feel I am in a way link to it.

  • Currently 2.95/5

Rating: 3.0 /5 (124 votes cast)

Eyre Highway closed, Trans-Australian rail line cut as drought-breaking rain hits Goldfields, Nullarbor Plain

Two men in canoes in flood waters in the outback.

Flooding has cut the main road and rail links into Western Australia as drought-breaking storms pass over the Nullarbor.

Floodwaters have blocked both the Trans-Australian Railway line and the Eyre Highway, with both vital freight links expected to remain closed for several days.

The highway is closed between Norseman, 700km east of Perth, and Eucla on the WA-SA border due to water across the road in several locations.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation closed the rail line on Sunday after it was covered by floodwater near Rawlinna, about 400 kilometres east of Kalgoorlie-Boulder in WA's Goldfields.

Flood waters in the outback at a pastoral station with a windmill.

The extent of the damage is unknown at this stage as crews travel to the region.  

Freight on the east-west line has come to a standstill and the Indian Pacific, due to depart Perth on Sunday, has been cancelled. 

The closures are compounded by separate flooding in the state's far north, which has closed Great Northern Highway between Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing.

Closures could last five days

Department of Fire and Emergency Services deputy assistant commissioner Garry Gifford said the roads and railway line could be closed for up to five days.

"With the forecast which the [Bureau of Meteorology] has provided us with regards to the unprecedented weather which is coming through the southern interior at the moment, we're certainly planning towards three and five days at this point of view," he told ABC Regional Drive on Monday afternoon.

As the main freight routes in and out of WA, an extended closure is expected to have a significant economic impact.

Mr Gifford said authorities were working with suppliers to assess the potential impact on the flow of goods into WA.

"I'm being told that basically, the supply chains are up and running, and there should be no immediate impact on supply into the state," he said.

"Customer behaviour is key during these times and certainly, I wouldn't be expecting any panic buying at this point in time."

"The distributors have advised us that there's plenty of essential supplies in the state, and we're working with those distributors to assess on a daily basis."

A Coles spokesperson said the supermarket was monitoring the changing situation and looking at alternative routes to get deliveries to stores. 

Aerial image of flood water surrounding Rawlinna Station after a storm passed over the Nullarbor

It is the first significant closure of the railway line since 2022 when floods damaged about 300 kilometres of track near Tarcoola in South Australia and closed the line for 24 days. 

 It was only last month that Balladonia was the scene of bushfires that closed the highway for three days from February 21-24. 

From fires to floods

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, more than 140 millimetres of rain was recorded in the Eucla district in the 24 hours to 9am on Sunday, and there was another 19mm in the 24 hours to 9am Monday. 

Arubiddy Station at Cocklebiddy on the Nullarbor has recorded more than 200mm, while the 24-hour rainfall record at the Eyre Bird Observatory was smashed with 141.2mm, beating the previous mark of 81.2mm.   

"The trough that's causing this heavy rainfall really hasn't moved over the weekend," duty forecaster Jessica Lingard said on Monday morning.  

"The severe weather warning looks exactly the same as when I left on Friday and it's probably going to stay there for the next 48 to 72 hours, until mid-week when that trough starts to move."

Pastoralists hail end of dry

Rawlinna Station manager Jimmy Wood said southern parts of the 1 million hectare station had received more than 150mm as of Sunday, which followed 92mm on Australia Day.  

"It hasn't been long between drinks for us," he said. 

"We had a big flood on Australia Day and I thought, that's it, no one will see that again for another 10 years. 

"But barely a month later and here we are again."

Flooding on an outback pastoral station.

Mr Wood said the station had suffered through six years of drought before this year's floods.  

"Everyone of the Nullarbor has been hanging out for it ... we can categorically say the drought is broken," he said.  

"It's just going to be great to see the country come back ... if it doesn't rain for the rest of the year, we'll still be doing alright."

A man wearing a blue shirt and a hat, leaning against a stack of wool bales.

Chloe Grainger, from the neighbouring Kanandah Station, said pastoralists had been battling drought conditions for a decade. 

"It's been a long time since a rainfall event like this," she said. 

"Surely it's drought-breaking. This is it. We're coming out the other end surely, it looks awesome.

"Everyone's relieved and it's great to see the land get what it needs."

Floodwaters inside a building on an outback pastoral station.

Northern Goldfields cut off

In WA's northern Goldfields, flooding has cut the highway between Laverton and Leonora for several days. 

The massive Tropicana gold mine, 330km north of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, reported 200mm of rain between Saturday and Monday.

"No personnel have been evacuated, but the mine site has been operating with a reduced workforce," a spokesperson for operator AngloGold Ashanti said.

"The safety of everyone on site is a priority and the company continues to monitor weather conditions."

Shire of Laverton president Pat Hill said the townsite had received more than 100mm over the weekend, which followed 108mm in February, after five years of drought.  

"We've had more than a year's rain fall in the past three weeks," he said.  

A road into an outback town covered by flood waters.

Mr Hill said Laverton airport remained open at this stage to service nearby mining operations, and he hoped to avoid a repeat of Cyclone Bobby in 1995 when the Royal Australian Air Force was asked to fly in supplies. 

Tim Carmody's family runs Prenti Downs station, east of Willuna in the northern Goldfields, and he said more than 135mm of rain had fallen in the past week.

A flooded street in an outback town.

"When you get a rain event like this, it puts a bit of water in the creeks, hollows and the claypans and the cattle all spread out," he said.

"What that does is it takes all the grazing pressure off around the watering points and gives them a chance to regenerate."

  • X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

'there was this giant cow's head staring at me': mining town's solution for big, bovine problem.

A cow grazing on a sporting oval in an outback town.

'Beautiful, slow' rain brings life to outback Western Australia

Kayaks in Rawlinna rain

Fresh hope for Rawlinna Station as shearers chase outback adventures

Man in a denim shirt with blonde hair showing under a hat stands in a pen full of sheep.

  • Cocklebiddy
  • Regional Communities

IMAGES

  1. CrossCountry Trains

    cross country rail travel

  2. 33++ Seating plan on train cross country

    cross country rail travel

  3. This Scenic Cross-Country Train Trek Is More Affordable Than You Think

    cross country rail travel

  4. Arriva Cross Country Trains HST 43207 & 43304

    cross country rail travel

  5. 5 Fun Things to Do on a Cross Country Rail Trip

    cross country rail travel

  6. Deployments_Cross Country Trains

    cross country rail travel

COMMENTS

  1. Cross Country Journeys

    Cross Country train trips onboard a long-distance Amtrak train are truly one of the greatest travel experiences in the world. Onboard, take in the breathtaking passing landscapes en route to the most sought-after cities, national parks, and landmarks. ... Top 7 Tips for Long-Distance Rail Travel.

  2. Long Distance Trains

    Book Today. MAKE ALL ROADS LESS TRAVELED: Amtrak is 47 percent more energy efficient than traveling by car and 33 percent more energy efficient than domestic air travel. Treat yourself to an Amtrak train ride across the country to over 500 destinations. Learn all about ticket deals, sleeping car options, seating options and more.

  3. What to Know Before Taking a Cross-country Train Ride

    A cross-country Amtrak train ride is a leisurely, scenic way to explore the United States, but before you embark on your multiday adventure, there are a few things you should know. From picking ...

  4. USA Coast to Coast by Train

    Our cross-country tours travel along legendary rail routes and present miles upon miles of extraordinary views while traveling between the country's most popular destinations. Itineraries range in length from just a few days to 2 weeks or more - with some journeys across America, including up to 21 days of adventure.

  5. Top 5 Cross-Country Amtrak Train Trips

    2. Northern Rail Experience. Travel along major portions of the Lewis and Clark trail in this cross-country train trip on three iconic train routes: Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, and California Zephyr.The scenic rail journey ventures from the breathtaking Midwest to the "Emerald City" of Seattle, through to the stunning beauty of San Francisco before returning to Chicago.

  6. Practical Information for Cross Country Train Trips

    A variety of cross-country train trips are available, taking passengers to over 500 destinations all around the United States. These rail vacations offer routes through national parks, landmark sites, and impressive cities, both big and small. California Zephyr - Taking riders from the Midwestern city of Chicago all the way to San Francisco ...

  7. 8 best Amtrak cross-country trips to travel coast to coast

    For an epic cross-country Amtrak trip, visit America's top music cities by train: New York City, New Orleans, Memphis, Chicago, Austin and Los Angeles. It's a long adventure (minimum six nights), but you can stay in all or some of these cities to break up the travel and enjoy the live music scenes. If starting in New York, ride the Crescent ...

  8. Discover Train Travel & Vacation Packages

    Search through all of our trips from the newest trips to the most popular among our travelers. We know you'll find the perfect destinations to curate your next dream vacation! Experience the US and Canada by train with Amtrak Vacations. From cross-country rail trips to weekend getaways. Browse our newest and most popular trips now.

  9. 5 Best Cross-Country Train Trips

    5. The West. Taking a cross-country train trip doesn't mean you're stuck traveling coast to coast. Instead, consider one of the many coastal routes Amtrak offers, like the one from San Diego ...

  10. Coast to Coast : San Francisco to New York

    Watch the scenary change from the Midwest to the East Coast on the Lakeshore Limited train. See Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, and the city skyline from a cruise while you explore New York indepth on a guided sightseeing tour. View Dates & Pricing. Call to book 1-877-929-7245. Enquire about this tour.

  11. A guide to train travel in the USA 2024

    USA coast to coast from $236. You'll see nothing of America at 35,000 feet, come down to Earth and see world class scenery from an Amtrak train across the United States. You can travel cross-country from as little as $236 (£188 or €220) if you book well in advance, one of the world's great travel bargains. The USA has an excellent rail ...

  12. Planning a Cross Country Train Trip on Amtrak

    Planning a cross country train trip. Fresh air break outside Amtrak train car waiting for conductor to call "All Aboard!". The U.S. map was spread out on the counter so I could get a complete visual of the states to include on this Blast Off Trip that begins and ends in Los Angeles. Kansas City, Missouri is the closest large city near the ...

  13. The Ultimate Guide to Amtrak Cross-Country Travel

    The Ultimate Guide to Amtrak Cross-Country Travel. It was one of the original methods for bridging the vast expanses of a young United States - the railroad. The age of the freeway and discount air travel may have ended rail's status as top dog in the travel world. But train travel is still very much alive for those willing to seek out a ...

  14. 8 Best Amtrak Cross Country Train Trips

    6 Sunset Limited. 7 Lake Shore Limited. 8 Crescent. 9 8 Best Amtrak Cross Country Train Trips. 1. California Zephyr. The California Zephyr has been known to be at the top of many bucket lists. This iconic train ride will take you across the United States and lets you take an intimate look at some it's most beautiful locations.

  15. Coast to Coast Across the USA

    This 15-day rail journey takes you from the east coast to the west coast of the United States, ... Cross Country Journeys. See two oceans, cross the Rockies, and all the land in-between with one of these North American adventures. ... Travel Advisor Login Login in for helpful resources, free trainings, and promotional items.

  16. The Ultimate Guide To Cross-Country Train Travel

    The Rail Pass covers coach travel only, although upgrades to Busines Class (larger, leather seats) or sleeper cars for an additional surcharge. While This Guide To Cross-Country Train Travel is based primarily on our experience, I wanted to include the option of purchasing a Rail Pass, since it was specifically requested by a reader.

  17. The Best Cross-country U.S. Road Trip: Northern Route

    Nothing beats the experience-of-a-lifetime exhilaration of a cross-country road trip. If you're looking to get lost in adventure and pristine natural beauty, string along a coast-to-coast route ...

  18. How Travel Has Changed From 100 Years Ago

    Planning on Cross-Country Travel? Get On a Train Train travel 100 years ago, in the early 1920s, was an essential and popular mode of transportation, especially for long-distance journeys.

  19. Solo travel: Beacon Journal reporter recounts cross-country Amtrak ride

    Round-trip, Tawney Beans spent 90 hours on the rails and 20 hours in a bus. The journey and its destination had many surprises, such as wild peacocks, beautiful sunsets and a comical train staff.

  20. Smolensk Travel Guide

    Smolensk is worth visiting, especially the Assumption Cathedral, 12th century churches and city's center with many extant prewar buildings. One of the main events here is an annual reconstruction of the events of 1812, taking place in early August on Valutina Mountain. People from many cities and countries come not only to watch the ...

  21. Cross Country Journeys

    Cross Country train trips onboard a long-distance Amtrak train are truly one of the greatest travel experiences in the world. Onboard, take in the breathtaking passing landscapes en route to the most sought-after cities, national parks, and landmarks while you travel coast to coast in North America. ... Top 7 Tips for Long-Distance Rail Travel.

  22. Amtrak Vacations®

    With Amtrak Vacations®, you can discover the most stunning destinations across the U.S. & Canada by rail! Browse train travel, Amtrak routes, and rail vacation packages. Skip to main content ... Cross Country Journeys. See two oceans, cross the Rockies, and all the land in-between with one of these North American adventures.

  23. Smolensk

    It was the capital of Slavic Krivichs tribe in the ninth century. Smolensk is a city with great history. Since the XII century it was a capital of the princedom, but since 1522 it became a city of the Moscow kingdom. In 1596 the great fortress was built to protect people. Now this fortress is the most interesting sight of the city.

  24. Smolensk Travel Guide

    The country saw an influx of masons, bricklayers and even potters who poured into Smolensk. The fortress became the largest one around. The city was turned into a gigantic, unprecedented building site, and lots of people came from all around to work here. In 1602, the construction of the fortress was completed.

  25. Smolensk city, Russia travel guide

    It is one of the oldest cities in Russia, first mentioned in the chronicle in the year of 862. The population of Smolensk is about 317,200 (2022), the area - 166 sq. km. The phone code - +7 4812, the postal codes - 214000-214533. Local time in Smolensk city is March 10, 3:08 pm (+3 UTC).

  26. Top 3 Cross-Country Train Rides Across America

    These three vacations feature cross-country train rides that are a great way to travel across America and make memories that are sure to last a lifetime. 1. Pacific Rail Experience Take an incredible cross-country train ride when you book the Pacific Rail Experience, which features three famous Amtrak train routes: Southwest Chief; Coast Starlight

  27. Flooding cuts Australia's only cross-country railway line, as drought

    It is the first significant closure of the railway line since 2022 when floods damaged about 300 kilometres of track near Tarcoola in South Australia and closed the line for 24 days. It was only ...